If you reading this article, it simply means you want know more about causes of groaning noise when braking at high speed.
Have you experienced that your vehicle, which was relatively silent when you drove out for a business trip, would now make specific noise when braking at high speed? Indeed, it is a common problem that vehicle owners or drivers come across sooner or later.
Although there is no cause for alarm, you shouldn’t ignore it if your vehicle groans when you release the brakes at high speed.
Notwithstanding, groaning noise is a low-pitch noise generated when you might have applied pressure between the brake pad and brake disc.
During a groaning event, your vehicle’s structure and suspension components are in an excitation state with the braking system. This excitation state would cause a violet vibration (noise) that would be heard and felt as you apply the brake.
The primary cause of your vehicle’s noise (groaning) is the friction of the stick-slip mechanism between metallic materials.
So far, this informative article will undoubtedly examine topical issues and contents for you to have a good understanding on; what does a broken caliper sound like, why does my car hum when I brake at high speed coming off the highway, why does my car sound like it’s roaring when I brake, and more.
Be patient to read through the contents below!
What Does A Broken Caliper Sound Like?
Notwithstanding, one of the problems of a broken or lousy caliper is abnormal noise. Hence, a broken caliper would have a sound similar to grinding brakes.
Let’s look at other concerns about a caliper.
The Efficacy Of A Caliper?
A caliper is a specific component in most modern vehicles with a 4-wheel disc brake system. The 4-wheel system of these modern vehicles consists of a caliper on each wheel. However, some cars have disc brakes with calipers in the front and drums at the back.
So, when pushing the brake pedal to make the brake functional, the brake fluid flows to each of the calipers, then the pressurized fluid pushes a piston inside the caliper to jam the brake pads against the brake rotor.
Forceful contact with the pads on the rotor would create the frictional force required to make your vehicle come to a stop.
Types Of Brake Calipers?
There are two categories of a caliper, and they are;
- Fixed calipers – These are mounted directly to your vehicle’s steering knuckle. They are not moveable (back and forth).
Symptoms Of A Broken Caliper?
Eventually, you notice the following signs: you might be right that your caliper is broken or faulty.
- Sensation Of Drag: A broken caliper would result in a soft pedal, and your car could have a reduced braking capacity. Similarly, a broken caliper can also cause wear of the rotor and brake pads as they rub together. Though, this will propel the dragging sensation as the brakes are applied.
- Leakage Of Fluid: If you have a broken caliper, brake fluid will leak from the piston seal since the hydraulic fluid activates the caliper.
- Pulling Of Your Vehicle To One Side: The pulling of your vehicle while driving could result from a broken caliper.
Why Does My Car Hum When I Brake At High Speed Coming Off The Highway?
As you brake at high speed coming off the highway, your car hums, it would likely be wheel bearing.
Although, if this humming noise is proportional to road speed or even increases as you are on the highway, then it is invariably a faulty wheel bearing.
In essence, the outside of your wheel bearing, in turn, has a higher load. Thus, it is clear that the noise is a wheel bearing as regards your transmission as so to say.
Similarly, if the noise increases as you go on a hilly road or when accelerating on a higher road, and you get a vibration through your steering wheel, then there is an issue with the tire, worn-out wheel bearing, or worn-out CV joint at work.
As regards my experience, I commend you on getting a noise inspection executed by a certified mechanic who will give you a precise assessment of damage and a cost guesstimate of the repairs.
Why Does My Car Sound Like It’s Roaring When I Brake?
Let’s dive into this section without much ado!
Your car would sound like it is roaring when you brake as a result of the below reasons.
- Firstly, a faulty wheel bearing would have caused this roaring sound you hear when you brake. Perchance, the sound might seem as if it is excessive road noise. Although, it is the fault of a bad wheel bearing which might have been a result of accumulated dirt or moisture from the road that seeped into their inner parts. At a point, your vehicle will begin to shake and vibrate as if you had replaced your seats with massage chairs.
- Secondly, problematic suspensions could cause your vehicle to sound roaring when you brake.
- Thirdly, brake pads are worn-out on the rotor.
- Fourthly, lack of lubrication to the inside of the spindle.
So far, you should appropriately rectify the above issues as you consult your certified mechanic. In that case, you will continue to hear louder roaring sounds/noises and vibrations, and the impending danger will escalate quickly. In any case, don’t leave your safety to chance!
Causes Groaning Noise When Braking At High Speed?
Typically, if your car makes a groaning noise when braking at high speed could be because of several reasons, which I will explore thoroughly in this section. So, you should keep reading till the end!
Brake Pads Get Worn Out.
Comparing brakes to soap, the more they are rubbed on materials, the slower they decay. So, the wearing out of the brake pads will cause the rotor and the brake pads to have direct contact or rub together.
Consequently, as they rub together, a groaning noise is heard. However, replacing worn-out with better new brake pads would be proper to avoid or stop the groaning noise.
Installing Aftermarket Pads.
It is evident that anytime you replace OEM pads with aftermarket pads or even rotors. You would notice a groaning sound (noise); this perchance is due to the lack of compatibility of these aftermarket pads with your vehicle.
Hence, I recommend you should always get OEM pads which may solve this groaning issue.
Brake Pads Not Chamfered
To chamfer or make your brake pads to be beveled would reduce or even stop the groaning noise when braking at high speed. As much as some brake pads are semi-metallic, their metal parts could also cause noise as they directly interact with the rotors or calipers.
Similarly, another way of solving the groaning noise problem is to replace the semi-metallic pads with NAO ceramic pads.
Conclusion
Groaning noise from your car signals that your brake pads are worn-out, not chamfered, or even low-quality/inappropriate.
Perchance, a worn-out brake pad and its metallic backing plate would constantly rub against the rotors. If this happens, your brakes won’t be so effective and efficient enough to stop you when necessary as you are at high speed.
And if unattended, this issue could cause more damage to the components of your braking system.
A consensus principle of thumb is to replace brake pads once you have covered a mileage of about 20,000 to 50,000 miles. However, this mileage varies concerning the vehicle type or model, driving habits, and the environment.
So far, I recommend you never put aftermarket pads on your vehicle; instead, use OEM brake pads to properly and effectively reduce groaning noise. Do like and share this guide with others!