Creaking Noise When Braking

Different brake noises have different causes within the brake system. Being able to properly identify the noise and know what is causing it will help you determine a proper solution. In the final video of our brake noise series, we discuss how a groaning noise when braking is most likely not a problem with the brakes at all.

If you hear a groaning noise when you are braking, the problem is most likely not brake related. When you apply the brakes, your suspension will typically shift down a bit. This means suspension parts like the control arm bushings, ball joints and the sway bar links. If any of these parts are loose or worn out, they could be causing the groaning noise you hear.

[erika]

Been haunted by this sound for over a month. I can't take it anymore. I will share this information with a reliable mechanic. Thank you.

[harrywu]

I finally got mine fixed. My one only had a load noise when fully stopped and then going. The problem is the pistons in the calipers need to be re-lubricated. I changed my rotor and brake pads and re-lubricated all. The noise is gone. Hope this can help you.

[byammine]

What if the sound happens when depressing the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped?

[MattJonesYT]

Sway bar bushings often cause that when starting and stopping. Use sway bar bushings that have a nylon inside insert rather than the solid rubber or polyurethane ones.

[HayabusaRydr]

My old camry does this under a controlled movement it will do it forever. If i let off or apply more brake power it will stop. it's the brakes which would have been nice to hear a solution instead of just saying it's the suspension.

[renatosilva]

What about if you stop the car pushing the brakes and there are no noises, but then when you are about move you start to release the brake very slowly then you hear these same noise, is it normal?
Always when I have half away brakes pushed when I am about to start move from a red light or from a park state I hear these groaning noise. If I push the brake completely there is no noise, if I release the brake completely there is no noise.

The noise only comes when I am about o move and I slightly start to release the brakes or slightly start to push the brakes when I am about to go.

Do you know when you see the red lights will become green and you start to move very very slow and start to reelease brake? that's when the loud groaning noise comes. It seems it is putting pressure somewhere or touching somewhere. The brakes were recently serviced.

Thank you.

[Falcoable]

Same here moving very slowly reversing and applying a little brake first thing in the morning, I was wondering if the rear pads are glazed?..

[gmp]

This fellow's advice is for someone who knows nothing about cars. I've got the same creaking noise (only creaking - not squealing, groaning, etc.) and it's coming from the brake calipers, not even the slide pins or suspension. This noise usually occurs on calipers that have pistons on ONE side, and it's due to slight sideways deflection of the caliper whenever pressure is applied (or let off). The slight sideways deflection is caused by pressure being applied from only one side (piston side only) causing a slight shift in the piston to pad contact and the same opposite shift other side of the caliper to pad contact. Only way to reduce/eliminate the creak is to lube/grease the piston, piston dust boot, piston to pad contact, caliper to pad contact - using ceramic brake grease. Worn or low quality "loose" slide pins will allow more deflection when braking so the creak will eventually come back after the grease is squeezed out. Calipers with pistons on both sides are less likely to creak because pressure is applied equally from both sides. All of this is assuming that the rest of the braking system is functioning properly and not worn beyond salvation. BTW, if you have a stethoscope and someone to apply the brakes, you can easily hear where the creak is coming from.

[TheSue]

Same noise. They replaced control arm bushing and rotors. Nothing has worked. Getting pissed.

[texasmike]

That's exactly what my 2013 Chrysler 200 is doing! Inching forward while applying brake. What is it??

[carlyl]

My 2018 RAV4 is currently doing this, is that something that should be under warranty?

[Jadevhn]

Thank you for your video. So what do I need to fix if my car has the same noise? Thank you!

[daviddavis]

What might the problem when my 2014 BMW makes a very loud Boom sound when I step on my brakes; or when I stop the vehicle, and then moved forward again? My friend says to him it sounds like common problem with BMWs...thank you.

[peteryang]

I have the same noise: the suspension do not make the noise on any bumpy/rough road, it only make noise when the car start to move or come to a stop, I already have my breaks checked/cleaned/lubricated and I still have the same noise! The noise make me really want to get rid of the car!!! Please help!!!

[CollegeRecruitsNW]

07 Lexus RX350, all new brakes, calipers, rotor turned, new pads, I let off the brakes slightly, groan city. I brought the car in for rear brakes, they were due and the brakes were silent, after rear brake work groan started. I'm going back, I just wonder if OEM pads will solve the problem, a Lexus, even an 07 with all new brakes, shouldn’t groan, driving me nuts.

[RandumShit]

My brakes make this sound, not everytime. But only when i apply full brakes to stop at downhill or uphill. What may be the reason?

[deficator]

I just got new control arms installed and it just started making that door creaking sound only when coming to a stop like as the weight of the car moves at a stop. I can hear it when i pump the brakes while rollling very slowly.

[ELPEPE]

What if it does it while standing still and just because I applied a little bit extra pressure on the brakes

[EpicSprint]

Man i though i found my answer but this isnt it. My 93 chevy makes this noise when im letting off the brake coming from a complete stand still. Then if im in reverse i have to give gas to get it to start moving.

[ka]

I get creaking sound when braking gently, only after things warmed up. Also, get a repetitive squeak sound sometimes, which is loud enough for a passer by to hear. Garage guy gave visual check.of brakes and said they are fine, most likely joints problem. I'm still inclined to think its the caliper pins..confused..