Noises

Brake Rattle
Usually caused by excessive clearance between pad and caliper or between pad and splash shield or pad hold-down clips missing or improperly positioned.

Squeak/squeal
Brake squeak or squeal may be due to linings that are wet or contaminated with brake fluid, grease or oil.
- Glazed linings and rotors with hard spots can also contribute to squeak.
- Dirt and foreign material embedded in the brake lining can also cause squeak/squeal.

A very loud squeak or squeal is frequently a sign of severely worn brake lining.
- If the lining has worn through to the brake shoes in spots, metal-to-metal contact occurs.
- If the condition is allowed to continue, rotors can become so scored that replacement is necessary.

Thump/Clunk
Thumping or clunk noises during braking are frequently not caused by brake components.
- In many cases such noises are caused by loose or damaged steering, suspension, or engine components.
- However, calipers that bind on the slide pins can generate a thump or clunk noise.
- In addition, worn out, improperly adjusted, or improperly assembled rear brake shoes can also produce a thump.

Chatter/Shudder
Brake chatter, or shudder is usually caused by loose or worn components, or glazed/burned lining.
- Rotors with hard spots can also contribute to chatter.
- Additional causes of chatter are out-of-tolerance rotors, brake lining not securely attached to the shoes, loose wheel bearings and contaminated brake lining.

Brake Lining Contamination
Brake lining contamination is usually a product of leaking calipers or wheel cylinders, driving through deep water puddles, or lining that has become covered with grease and grit during repair.