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Home / Symptoms / Squeaking Noise

Four common causes for a squeaking noise from the vehicle and their related parts.

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Squeaking noise when driving but no brakes applied

The squeaking while driving is caused by stuck partially-applied brakes or worn-out brake linings. The linings are designed to squeal over time as if saying "replace us" to the motorist. But there might be alternative common causes.

Is Your Car Making A Squeaking Noise While Driving?

The noise can also result from damage to other brake components like the rotors, caliper, or even an axle seal. Alternatively, it can be an issue from under the hood, like a slipping serpentine belt.

Watch out

The squeaking noise can cause serious safety issues if it has been around for a long time. Since this type of noise is mostly brake-related, your brake pads, rotors, or calipers might slowly deteriorate. This can result in brake-related problems and failures.

The car isn’t working properly if it’s making a squeaking noise; if you’re hearing this type of noise while driving, backing up, or braking, schedule a maintenance check-up. Here are some of the main risks:

Transmission problems: A squeaking noise can result from an axle seal leaking. If the axle is losing oil, it’ll cause the transmission fluid to drop to the point the transmission starts slipping. If this progresses even further, the transmission can get permanent damage.
Brake Issues: Ssqueakingqueaking noises commonly point to brakes, meaning the pads are beyond the point of replacement and should be checked ASAP. The squeaking is specifically a result of the friction of deteriorated brake pads on the discs, causing overheating. Overheated brakes lose effectiveness and could cause a loss of braking power.
Health Concerns: Excessive friction and overheating on the brakes can affect the tires. The burning rubber smell from the tires can produce harmful fumes that are hazardous to breathe.

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

Are your car's brake pads old?

The brake lining wear indicator is the most common reason why cars make squeaking noises. This part purposely makes these types of noises to indicate to the driver that the brake linings are too thin and worn. At this point, replacing the pads with new ones is better.

Are you noticing steering wheel vibrations?

Commonly, damaged brake rotors can render squeaking noises in a car. As well as making squeaking noises, this problem can cause the car's steering wheel to vibrate slightly.

Is your car braking on its own without you pressing the brake pedal?

Sometimes, a car can have partially-applied drum brakes and a sticking caliper. As a result, the car lightly brakes even if you're not pressing the brake pedal.

My car makes a squeaking noise when driving, but not when I brake. What could it be?

A squeaking noise while driving that isn't related to braking can stem from several issues. Common culprits include problems with belts (like a slipping or worn serpentine belt), suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), wheel bearings, or even something as simple as a loose trim piece. It's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic to pinpoint the exact cause.

Do you notice leak spots behind the vehicle?

An axle seal leak can produce squeaking noises in a car. This crack occurs because of built-up pressure from clogged vents or seals that fails due to bearing or axle wear. Additionally, built-up motor oil on the rotor surface, a bad wheel bearing seeping grease into the braking surface, or rear brake shoes can add to the factor.

Are you using low-grade brake pads?

Your car's rotors might be having a few heat-caused cracks, which commonly accompany squeaking noises. Anything that can cause rotors to overheat can push for this issue, which occurs more often on cheap brake pads.

Do you commonly drive over dusty terrain?

Squeaky and squeaking brakes can be a sign of worn pads, brake dust, faulty brake material, or in some cases, even aftermarket brake pads.

I hear a squeaking noise when driving at low speeds. Is that different?

While the underlying cause could be similar to squeaking at higher speeds, sometimes low-speed squeaks are related to different issues. For example, a rock or debris lodged behind a brake rotor shield can cause a squeak at low speeds. Again, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Why is my car squeaking when I turn?

A squeak specifically when turning often suggests a problem with suspension or steering components. Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings are common causes. Don't ignore this – have your steering and suspension inspected immediately.

Why is my car squeaking when I go over bumps?

Squeaking over bumps almost always points to a suspension issue. Worn shocks, struts, ball joints, or bushings can all create squeaking noises as the suspension articulates.

Why are my brakes squeaking even though I'm not braking?

Sometimes, brake squeaking can occur even when you're not actively braking. This can happen if a brake pad is dragging slightly, if the brake pad wear indicator is contacting the rotor, or if there's debris trapped in the brake assembly. While it might seem contradictory, even new brakes can sometimes squeak if they aren't bedded in properly or if the pads are of a lower quality.

Why are my new brakes squeaking?

New brakes can squeak for a few reasons:

Bedding-in: New brake pads and rotors must be "bedded in" to mate together properly. This usually involves a series of controlled stops.
Pad Material: Some brake pad materials are simply more prone to squeaking than others.
Installation: Improper installation can also cause squeaking.

Why are my brakes squeaking after being replaced?

If your brakes are squeaking after being replaced, it could be due to the reasons mentioned above (bedding-in, pad material, installation). It's also possible that other brake components, like the rotors or calipers, weren't replaced and are now causing issues.

Is it safe to drive with a squeaking noise?

While some squeaks might be minor annoyances, others can indicate serious safety problems. It's always best to err on the side of caution and have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a squeak could lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage down the road.

How do I stop my car from squeaking?

The best way to stop your car from squeaking is to identify the source of the noise and then address the underlying issue. This might involve replacing worn parts, lubricating components, or making adjustments. Don't attempt to fix it yourself unless you have the necessary skills and knowledge. A professional mechanic can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the appropriate repairs.

My car squeaks when accelerating. What does that mean?

A squeak during acceleration could be related to engine accessories driven by belts (like the alternator or power steering pump), or it could even be a sign of an exhaust leak. It's best to have a mechanic listen to the noise while you accelerate to identify the source.

Brake-Related Squeaking (Even If Not Braking)

The most common causes for a car squeaking when driving

Here are the most common issues causing your car to squeal when driving:

Axle seal leaking: This happens when the seal around the axle loosens up or cracks, resulting in a loss of gear oil or transmission fluid. This can progress into critical damage to the transmission or differential. The leaking fluid can also seep into the brakes, damaging them and reducing vehicle control. In any situation, a squeaking noise commonly happens.
Faulty brake caliper: A greasy and sticky brake caliper will be partially applying the vehicle’s brakes. This means your vehicle’s brake pads are slightly pressuring the brakes as you drive. Consequently, there’s extra friction happening constantly, resulting in deterioration and squeaking noises while the vehicle moves.
Brake pad wear: Brake pads slowly deteriorate over time. When a brake pad is at the point of replacement, it intentionally releases a squeaking noise that doesn’t stop until you replace it.
Damaged brake rotors: A damaged brake rotor can have an uneven surface, hot spots, and even heat cracks. At this level of damage, the rotors cause extra stress on other brake components, commonly resulting in squeaking noises, vehicle vibrations, and bad braking efficiency.
Slipping Serpentine belt: A slipping serpentine belt can cause squeaking or squeaking noises in a car due to friction and misplacement. If the belt is loose, and slips, it can cause extra friction, leading to a burning rubber smell and a squeaking noise as the belt deteriorates.

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We get a lot of questions about car squeaks and squeals, especially when they happen while driving and not when braking. Here are some of the most common questions we hear, answered by our automotive experts: General Squeaking While Driving

Pinpoint the Issue

Is your car braking on its own without you pressing the brake pedal?

Sometimes, a car can have partially-applied drum brakes and a sticking caliper. As a result, the car lightly brakes even if you're not pressing the brake pedal.
Are your car's brake pads old?

The brake lining wear indicator is the most common reason why cars make squeaking noises. This part purposely makes these types of noises to indicate to the driver that the brake linings are too thin and worn. At this point, replacing the pads with new ones is better.
Are you noticing steering wheel vibrations?

Commonly, damaged brake rotors can render squeaking noises in a car. As well as making squeaking noises, this problem can cause the car's steering wheel to vibrate slightly.
Do you notice leak spots behind the vehicle?

An axle seal leak can produce squeaking noises in a car. This crack occurs because of built-up pressure from clogged vents or seals that fails due to bearing or axle wear. Additionally, built-up motor oil on the rotor surface, a bad wheel bearing seeping grease into the braking surface, or rear brake shoes can add to the factor.
Are you using low-grade brake pads?

Your car's rotors might be having a few heat-caused cracks, which commonly accompany squeaking noises. Anything that can cause rotors to overheat can push for this issue, which occurs more often on cheap brake pads.
Do you commonly drive over dusty terrain?

Squeaky and squeaking brakes can be a sign of worn pads, brake dust, faulty brake material, or in some cases, even aftermarket brake pads.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car Squeaking Noises While Driving

My car makes a squeaking noise when driving, but not when I brake. What could it be?

A squeaking noise while driving that isn't related to braking can stem from several issues. Common culprits include problems with belts (like a slipping or worn serpentine belt), suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), wheel bearings, or even something as simple as a loose trim piece. It's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic to pinpoint the exact cause.
I hear a squeaking noise when driving at low speeds. Is that different?

While the underlying cause could be similar to squeaking at higher speeds, sometimes low-speed squeaks are related to different issues. For example, a rock or debris lodged behind a brake rotor shield can cause a squeak at low speeds. Again, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Why is my car squeaking when I turn?

A squeak specifically when turning often suggests a problem with suspension or steering components. Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings are common causes. Don't ignore this – have your steering and suspension inspected immediately.
Why is my car squeaking when I go over bumps?

Squeaking over bumps almost always points to a suspension issue. Worn shocks, struts, ball joints, or bushings can all create squeaking noises as the suspension articulates.
Why are my brakes squeaking even though I'm not braking?

Sometimes, brake squeaking can occur even when you're not actively braking. This can happen if a brake pad is dragging slightly, if the brake pad wear indicator is contacting the rotor, or if there's debris trapped in the brake assembly. While it might seem contradictory, even new brakes can sometimes squeak if they aren't bedded in properly or if the pads are of a lower quality.
Why are my new brakes squeaking?
New brakes can squeak for a few reasons:
- Bedding-in: New brake pads and rotors must be "bedded in" to mate together properly. This usually involves a series of controlled stops.
- Pad Material: Some brake pad materials are simply more prone to squeaking than others.
- Installation: Improper installation can also cause squeaking.
Why are my brakes squeaking after being replaced?

If your brakes are squeaking after being replaced, it could be due to the reasons mentioned above (bedding-in, pad material, installation). It's also possible that other brake components, like the rotors or calipers, weren't replaced and are now causing issues.
Is it safe to drive with a squeaking noise?

While some squeaks might be minor annoyances, others can indicate serious safety problems. It's always best to err on the side of caution and have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a squeak could lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage down the road.
How do I stop my car from squeaking?

The best way to stop your car from squeaking is to identify the source of the noise and then address the underlying issue. This might involve replacing worn parts, lubricating components, or making adjustments. Don't attempt to fix it yourself unless you have the necessary skills and knowledge. A professional mechanic can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the appropriate repairs.
My car squeaks when accelerating. What does that mean?

A squeak during acceleration could be related to engine accessories driven by belts (like the alternator or power steering pump), or it could even be a sign of an exhaust leak. It's best to have a mechanic listen to the noise while you accelerate to identify the source.

Brake-Related Squeaking (Even If Not Braking)

Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

These are typical processes and repair services that fix a check engine light issue

The most common cause: Worn brake pads

The most common reason for a car making squeaking noises is because of worn brake pads. The pads can deteriorate and rub incorrectly on the brake discs and rotors, causing a squeaking noise.

Additionally, brake pads are designed to squeal when they wear out beyond recommended measures. They’re basically screaming “Change us.”

Origin of the sound: The wheels.
Symptoms it causes: Apart from the squeaking noise you might notice, weak braking, brake warning lights on the dashboards, and burning rubber smells.
High risk of priority: The brake pads can keep wearing out until they completely malfunction, making your car’s brakes non-efficient

What exactly is a brake pad?

A brake pad is a little pad-shaped component on the braking system that, when pushed against the brake discs, creates friction. This friction forces the vehicle to reduce speed until eventually stopping or when the driver stops braking.

Key function: The key function of the brake pad is ensuring the vehicle stops evenly and effectively. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the pads in good condition on all wheels to prevent the vehicle from pulling to one side or losing the braking ability.

Although the brake pad is the most common cause of squeaking sounds from a vehicle, it’s not the only one. Many other brake or electrical-related components in a car can cause squeaking sounds.

Go safe: Ask for a mechanic to inspect your vehicle to track the squeaking sound’s location and how it affects other components. Many shops do transparent vehicle inspections and lay out your options after investigating your vehicle’s conditions.

What’s a vehicle inspection? It’s “detective work” on your vehicle, checking its systems to find if anything is preventing the car from working as expected. In this case, mechanics examine different parts of your vehicle to track where the squeaking noise is coming from and what’s causing it. They’ll also check the condition of components during their inspection, noting which are causing the problem and which got affected by it, recommending to replace them in order of priority.

Transparency example in a brake pad service

Let’s see how a vehicle inspection defines the car service needed to fix a brake pad problem causing squ eakingnoises.

In this example, the technician found that the brake pad was worn out. The brake pad is essential for the vehicle’s braking performance, and it works directly with other brake components like rotors, discs, calipers, etc.

In this scheduled service, the customer stated their car was making a squeaking noise, especially when backing up the garage. Brake pads commonly cause squeaking sounds on purpose to alarm the car owner.

If the brake pads are not replaced, the squeaking noise can become louder and more frequent. As the pad deteriorates, it’ll keep losing its material that’s supposed to friction against the discs. Without the friction material, the brake pads start rubbing metal-on-metal, causing serious damage to the brake system.

With these findings, the technician will also take a look at the brake rotors and calipers. Then, they'll plan a fix for the whole system.

The image below shows the worn brake pad.

A serpentine belt slipping

In this case, the mechanic put the “Immediate Action” tag on the brake pad. They also recommended replacing the brake discs since they got worn out due to the harmful friction.

Similar Symptoms

Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing

Humming Noise While Driving has different causes, the top 4 are A/C Failure, Differential Issues, A Fault Wheel Bearing or Tire Cupping.

Squeaking noise when driving but no brakes applied

Is Your Car Making A Squeaking Noise While Driving?

Watch out

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

Brake-Related Squeaking (Even If Not Braking)

The most common causes for a car squeaking when driving

Find Professional Help

Pinpoint the Issue

Is your car braking on its own without you pressing the brake pedal?

Are your car's brake pads old?

Are you noticing steering wheel vibrations?

Do you notice leak spots behind the vehicle?

Are you using low-grade brake pads?

Do you commonly drive over dusty terrain?

Frequently Asked Questions: Car Squeaking Noises While Driving

My car makes a squeaking noise when driving, but not when I brake. What could it be?

I hear a squeaking noise when driving at low speeds. Is that different?

Why is my car squeaking when I turn?

Why is my car squeaking when I go over bumps?

Why are my brakes squeaking even though I'm not braking?

Why are my new brakes squeaking?

Why are my brakes squeaking after being replaced?

Is it safe to drive with a squeaking noise?

How do I stop my car from squeaking?

My car squeaks when accelerating. What does that mean?

Brake-Related Squeaking (Even If Not Braking)

Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

The most common cause: Worn brake pads

What exactly is a brake pad?

Transparency example in a brake pad service

Similar Symptoms

Why Is My Car Making A Humming Noise While Driving?

Why Is My Car Not Starting And Making No Noise?

Why Is My Car Sounding Like A Lawn Mower?