Needless to say that the brake is one of the most crucial components of the vehicle. Without properly functioning brakes, you will be putting yourself, the car, and the people around you in danger. And when any weird noises are coming from the brakes, it generally indicates trouble.
So, it is normal to worry about the noise and think why my brake pedal is clicking when pressed.
Usually, when there are clicking noises, it indicates that something might be lodged in the rotors. There can be problems with the calipers and pads as well. Also, loose components can initiate this issue.
But what do you do when you notice the clicking sounds? Well, you will need to stick with this guide to know that!
What Causes the Brakes to Produce a Clicking Sound and How Should You Fix It?
Clicking sounds are a common thing for most brake setups. And usually, these are the reasons why they make such sounds:
Something Lodged in the Rotors
Sometimes, the clicking noise that the brakes are outputting can be simply from a small piece of rock or debris that has found its way to the rotor of the brake. When debris does get lodged in the rotors, you will hear different types of sounds, which includes clicking sounds.
But how did the rock or debris get there in the first place? It can be due to driving over a pothole. The piece can also get lodged when you hit the curb too hard. Nonetheless, this is a minor issue, and you can quickly fix it.
How to Get the Piece of Rock or Debris Out
To get the debris or rock out, all you need to do is apply pressure to the brake pedal. Apply the pressure while you are moving the steering wheel back and forth. Such a motion will cause the rotor to move slightly and eventually dislodge the rock or piece of debris.
But if that does not work, you might need to dismantle the wheel and take the help of a pair of pliers. A pair of needle-nose tweezers will also work. Use it to get the piece of rock or debris out of place.
When you get the rock or debris out, make sure to properly clean the area with a rag. Doing so will ensure that there is no other debris around the area that can prevent the brake pads from making proper contact. Check all the brakes if you find debris on one because there is a high chance that other rotors will have the same issue.
Calipers or Pads Issues
If the rotors seem clean, there may be a problem with the calipers or brake pads. In fact, one of the most common reasons for hearing the clicking sounds is the calipers or brake pads not having the right level of lubrication. When the calipers and pads are not properly lubricated, a lot of friction will occur between them.
That friction will eventually cause a lot of heat to build up, eventually leading to the brake calipers or pads wearing down faster. And when the brake pads or calipers wear down, you are bound to hear the clicking sounds.
Likewise, you will hear the clicking sound when the brake pedal wears down. But how does the brake pedal wear down quickly? Well, it can happen due to a number of reasons. But not maintaining the brake setup or driving aggressively are two of the most common reasons.
How to Fix the Brake Calipers and Pad Issues?
First of all, get the brakes inspected by a professional repairman as soon as possible. You would not want to skimp on this factor, as worn-down brake parts can cause many driving issues. Basically, you will be putting your safety at risk.
In most cases, the mechanic will replace the brake’s worn-down part. And that will not cost you a whole lot. For that reason, you should not ignore the clicking sounds, especially when no visible pieces of rock or debris are present on the rotor.
Loose Components and Other Causes
You might not know this, but loose components can make the brakes output a squealing or clicking noise. Wondering how the parts get loose? Well, it can be due to improper maintenance, or it could be due to you driving aggressively on challenging terrains.
How to Fix Clicking Sound That Occurs Due to Loose Parts or Problems with Other Parts?
In this case, you will need to divert your focus to a couple of parts. That includes brake pads and anti-rattle springs. See whether they are properly in place or not. Make sure that they have the right tightness.
Furthermore, you should check whether the caliper cylinders are retracting in an even way or not. If they are retracting unevenly, you need to get them adjusted.
Likewise, inspect the caliper sliders. Found them repositioning incorrectly? You will need to fix them. Otherwise, you will hear the clicking sounds from the brakes continuously.
Additionally, examine the brake disk. If it seems a little bent, you should get it replaced. On that note, when the brake disk is slightly bent, you will not feel it in the pedal. And when it is severely bent, you will start to feel vibrations when you press the pedal.
What Tells That the Vehicle’s Brakes Are Failing?
Good brakes are absolutely vital for your safety. But the thing is, good brakes do not stay good all the time. Over time, they can start to fail. And if you ignore the signs that tell you that your brakes are starting to fail, you can find yourself in a pretty tricky situation.
So, what are the telltale signs that the brakes are failing? Well, there are a few. But these are the most common:
Uneven Tire Wear
When one or more of your tires are wearing unevenly, it states that the brakes are allowing one side to hit the road more than the other. This will eventually make the tire wear out faster than the other ones. Also, you should know that the brake will put less force on the tire that is wearing faster.
Difficulty Stopping
When the brakes are starting the fail, the pedal will feel soft or mushy when you press it down. The pedal will also not be capable of engaging the brakes as quickly as it once did. In other words, the brake will not feel that responsive.
Sticking Pedals
The brakes will tend to stick when you press them down. And afterward, they will not naturally return to their normal position. This issue indicates that the brake calipers or pads require a replacement.
Final Words
Are you still wondering why my brake pedal clicks when pressed? The brakes output a clicking sound mostly due to lodged debris or rock on the rotors, issues with the pads and calipers, or loose brake parts. And as you now know the ways to address each of the causes adequately, you need to take proper action as soon as possible!
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