Brake Pedal Squeaking: Why & How to Fix It

Brake pedals are a crucial part of any car. They allow drivers to slow down and stop their cars, which is essential for road safety. However, brake pedals sometimes squeak, a nuisance and sign that something’s wrong with the braking system.

Common causes of brake pedal squeaking include worn-out brake pads, low fluid, rusty lines, loose calipers, wet or rusted rotors, dirty discs, and worn-out shoes. Easy fixes include replacing worn-out parts, refilling the fluid, cleaning dirty parts, and regular maintenance.

This article will describe the most common reasons your brake pedal might be squeaking. You’ll also find a rundown of the symptoms to watch out for in each case, and how to fix the problem.

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Why Your Brake Pedal Is Squeaking

Causes of brake pedal squeaking vary, but most of the time, it’s a sign there’s something wrong with the braking system. So, what would cause this crucial component of your vehicle to produce that high-pitched noise? Let’s find out!

The Brake Pads Are Worn Out

Brake pads are the part of the braking system that comes into direct contact with the brake rotor. When you step on the brake pedal, the pads are forced against the rotor, slowing down and stopping the car. Brake pads usually last for several thousand miles, but they can wear out sooner if the car is driven frequently or under relatively heavy loads. When these pads wear out, they may not grip the brake rotor tightly, causing a squeaking noise.

Typical symptoms of worn-out brake pads include:

A grinding noise when you apply the brakes.
A shaky brake pedal.
Poor braking performance.

The Brake Fluid Is Low

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer the force of your foot on the brake pedal to the brake pads. When the brake fluid level is low, it can’t do its job properly, causing the brake pads to grip the rotor less tightly and making them squeak.

Leaks in the system often cause low brake fluid, so be on the lookout for any leaks and repair them as soon as possible. Typical symptoms of low brake fluid include:

The brake pedal feels spongy when you step on it.
The brake pedal sinks to the floor when you apply pressure.
There is a shortage of braking power.

The Brake Line Is Rusty or Worn Out

Brake lines are the tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. When they rust or corrode, you may hear the brake pedals squeaking. This is because the rust and corrosion create blockages in the line, preventing the fluid from getting to the brakes.

Typical symptoms of a corroded brake line include:

The brake pedal feels spongy when you step on it.
The brake pedal sinks to the floor when you step on it.
The brake lights come on even though you’re not braking.

The Bolts on the Caliper Are Loose or Corroded

Caliper bolts attach the caliper to the brake rotor. When they are loose or corroded, they can cause the caliper to move around. Because of that, the brake pads may wear out more quickly and make a squeaking noise. Additional symptoms of loose or corroded caliper bolts include:

The vehicle pulls to one side when braking.
Grinding or screeching noises when braking.
Reduced brake performance.

The Brake Rotors Are Wet or Rusted

Brake rotors are the discs that the brake pads clamp down on to stop the car. When wet or rusty, they can’t grip the brake pads as tightly, leading to the brake pedal squeaking. Here are a few tell-tales that your brake rotors are wet or rusty:

Your brakes squeal when you apply them, even when the car isn’t moving.
The brake pedal feels “spongy” when you press it.
There’s a metallic grinding noise when you brake.
The brake pedal vibrates or shakes.

The Brake Discs Are Dirty

Like brake pads, brake discs also need to stay clean to work properly. When the discs are dirty, the pads may not grip them as tightly, leading to the brake pedal squeaking. The typical causes of dirty brake discs include contaminated brake fluid, leaking wheel seals, and brake pad residue.

Here are a few ways to tell if your brake discs are dirty:

Your brake pedal vibrates or shakes when you step on it.
The brake pads squeal when you apply them, even when the car isn’t moving.
There’s a metallic grinding noise when you brake.
The brake pedal feels “spongy” when you press it.

The Brake Shoes Are Worn Out

Brake shoes are a brake system component that helps stop your vehicle. When they wear down, they can cause the brake pedal to squeak. This is because they don’t provide the same amount of friction as when they were new, which causes the pedal to vibrate and create noise.

The signs of worn-out brake shoes include:

Your car pulls to one side when you brake.
You hear grinding noise when you brake.
The brake pedal feels spongy or soft.
Your car doesn’t stop as quickly as it used to.

The Brake Pedal Is Sticking

Finally, another common cause of brake pedal squeaking is a sticking brake pedal. When the pedal sticks, it doesn’t return to its original position after release. This causes the brake pads to stay in contact with the rotor for a longer period, leading to them wearing down more quickly and making noise.

Here are a few quick ways to tell if your brake pedal is sticking:

The brake pedal feels “sticky” when you step on it.
The brake pedal remains in the down position after you release it.
The brake lights come on even though you’re not braking.
The brake pedal won’t go all the way back up after you press it.

10 Ways To Fix Brake Pedal Squeaking

No one likes brake pedal squeaking, but it’s highly likely to happen if you experience any of the problems I’ve described above. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix the issue.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common fixes:

1. Replace Worn Out Brake Pads

If your brake pads are worn out, it’s time to replace them. Waiting too long can cause even more damage, causing an even louder brake pedal squeak. To replace your brake pads, you’ll need the following tools that are available to purchase from Amazon:

Jack. Go with this E-HEELP Electric Car Jack from Amazon. It’s safe, easy to use, and features an inflator pump that comes in handy when you need to change a tire.
Jack stands. I recommend these Amazon Basics Steel Jack Stands. They are tough, reliable, and won’t cost you a fortune.
Ratchet set
Wheel Chocks
Brake depressor

Once you’ve gathered your tools, you can begin the replacement process. Here are the steps:

Park your car on a smooth, flat surface.
Stop the brake.
Remove the lug nuts on the wheel that has defective brake pads.
Put the jack stands underneath your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel that has defective brake pads.
Remove the old brake pads and replace them with the new ones.
Put the wheel back on your car and tighten its lug nuts.
Lower your car off the jack stands and test your brakes.

The following video describes these steps in detail, so make sure you watch it before replacing your brake pads:

2. Refill the Brake Fluid

If your brake fluid is low, you must refill it. As I mentioned, when the brake fluid level is low, it can’t transmit enough force from the pedal to the brake pads, leading to a squeaky brake pedal.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on refilling your brake fluid:

Park your car on a level surface, set the parking brake, and turn it off.
Open your vehicle’s hood.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually near the driver’s side and has a pale cap.
Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap and add fresh brake fluid to it.
Replace the cap on the brake fluid reservoir and test your brakes.

The following video describes these steps in detail, including how to tell if you need to drain the old fluid first:

Caveat: Please note that these are the general steps to follow to refill brake fluid. It’s important to consult your car owner’s manual to ensure you’re following the correct steps for your vehicle. Alternatively, check the instructions on the brake fluid reservoir.

3. Replace the Brake Line

If your brake line is rusty or corroded, it’s time to replace it. A faulty brake line poses the risk of losing all brake fluid, leading to a brake system failure. To replace a faulty brake line, you need the following tools to help you get started and do the job properly:

Adjustable socket wrench.
New brake lines.
Hose clamps.
Brake fluid
Bleeder valve wrench.
Safety glasses.
Nitrile gloves.
Jack.
Jack stands.

Once you have the necessary tools, follow these steps:

Park your car on a level surface and apply the handbrake.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Place the jack stands under the car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel with the bad brake line.
Detach the old brake line from the caliper and the brake fluid reservoir.
Install the new brake line and attach it to the caliper and brake fluid reservoir.
Secure the lines with hose clamps.
Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the car off the jack stands and test your brakes.

The following video gives more detail on how to replace a brake line:

4. Tighten the Bolts on the Caliper

If the bolts on the caliper are loose or corroded, it can cause the brake pedal to squeak. Tightening the bolts should fix the issue. To tighten the bolts on the caliper, you’ll need a decent ratchet set and socket wrench. Make sure both tools are the best quality you can find.

Here are the steps:

Park your car on a flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Remove the lug nuts on the wheel that has the defective brake pedal.
Put the jack stands underneath your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Clean off any dirt or rust on the bolts with a wire brush.
Reattach the brake caliper to the brake rotor and tighten the bolts using your ratchet set and socket wrench.
Lower your car and replace the wheel.
Tighten the lug nuts.

The following video may come in handy when adjusting your car’s caliper bolts:

Caution: Do not overtighten the bolts on the caliper. Overtightening can damage the caliper and cause additional problems.

5. Clean the Brake Rotors

If the brake rotors are wet or rusted, it can cause the brake pedal to squeak. Cleaning the brake rotors will fix the issue. To clean the brake rotors, you’ll need a wire brush and a brake cleaner. Luckily, you can find decent versions of those tools online.

Here’s how to clean your car’s brake rotors:

Park your car on a flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the brake rotor that needs cleaning.
Place the jack stands under your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
Use the wire brush to clean off any rust or debris from the brake rotor.
Reattach the brake caliper and brake pads.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower your car and remove the jack stands.
Drive your car around for a few minutes to ensure the brake pedal is working properly.

6. Wipe the Brake Discs

If the brake discs are dirty, wiping them will fix the squeaking noise. To do that, you’ll need a rag and some brake cleaner. Again, you don’t need anything fancy: A quick search on Amazon should yield decent results. Here’s how to clean the brake discs of your car:

Park your car on a smooth, flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the brake discs to be fixed.
Place the jack stands under your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
Wipe off any dirt or grease from the brake discs with the rag and brake cleaner.
Reattach the brake caliper and brake pads.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower your car and remove the jack stands.

Here’s an excellent video with helpful safety tips on brake disc cleaning:

7. Replace the Brake Shoes

If the brake shoes are worn out, replacing them will fix the noise. To replace the brake shoes, you’ll need a screwdriver, a wrench, and some brake fluid. You can ask around for the best brands of the tools I just mentioned, but again, nothing fancy is needed.

Here are the steps:

Park your car on a flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the defective brake shoes.
Place the jack stands under your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the brake shoes in place.
Use the wrench to remove the brake shoe springs.
Remove the old brake shoes and replace them with new ones.
Reattach the brake caliper and brake pads.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower your car and remove the jack stands.

8. Lubricate the Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal is sticking, lubricating it will fix the noise. Lubricant will minimize friction between the brake pedal and any surface it’s rubbing on. To lubricate the brake pedal, you’ll need some brake lubricant that’s easily available online.

Here’s how to do it:

Park your car on a level surface.
Set the parking brake.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the brake pedal to be fixed.
Place the jack stands under your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
Use the brake lubricant to lubricate the brake pedal.
Reattach the brake caliper and brake pads.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower your car and remove the jack stands.

9. Adjust the Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal is too high or too low, adjusting it will fix the noise. The pedal needs to be in the right position at all times, and if it’s too high or low, you’ll need to exert extra effort to control your vehicle. Here’s a step-by-step guide on adjusting the brake pedal:

Park your car on a flat surface.
Set the brake.
Remove the lug nuts from the wheel that has the defective brake pedal.
Place the jack stands under your car.
Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
Detach the brake caliper from the brake rotor.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
Use a wrench to adjust the height of the brake pedal.
Reattach the brake caliper and brake pads.
Replace the wheel and lug nuts.
Lower your car and remove the jack stands.

10. Observe a Strict Maintenance Schedule

Performing regular maintenance on your car will help prevent brake pedal squeaking from happening in the first place. A regular maintenance schedule can prevent all the issues that cause unwanted brake noise. Some of the things you can do to maintain your brakes are:

Check the brake fluid level and refill if necessary.
Clean the brake rotors and discs regularly.
Frequently inspect the brake lines for rust or damage.
Regularly check if the bolts on the brake caliper are tightened properly.
Replace the brake pads when they wear out.
Lubricate the brake pedal and pivot points.

Final Thoughts

Squeaky brakes are never a good thing, but thankfully, they’re usually an easy fix. By following the steps in this article, you can get your brakes working perfectly once again.

However, if you are unsure how to fix the brake pedal or if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to take your car to a professional. Remember to always observe a strict maintenance schedule and keep your car in top condition for the safest driving experience possible.