brake squeal

Friction-induced stopping noise

Brake squeal is the high-pitched noise produced when brake pads vibrate against the rotor during braking.

The sound ranges from a faint whine to an ear-splitting shriek.

Squealing often indicates worn pads needing replacement, though new brakes may squeal temporarily until broken in: The mechanic said the brake squeal meant I was down to bare metal.

Related
  • screechHigh, harsh cry
  • grindingMolar action sometimes
  • frictionResistance between touching surfaces
  • padsCushioned protective layers
  • rotorSpinning mechanical assembly

disc · metal · high-pitched · stopping · stopping power · rust · worn · dust · caliper · heat · vibration · noise · shrill · pedal · wheels · ceramic · squeaky · mechanic

Categories
Opposites
sound presence

brake squealsilence

Total lack of sound

quiet · stillness · soundlessness · hush

sound quality

brake squealwhite noise

Constant random sound

Family

brake, squeal, brakes, braked, braking, squeals, squealed, squealing, squealer

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G