Why Are My Brakes Noisy? | Brakes Repair Johannesburg

If your brakes are making strange noises, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it could be a warning sign that your car needs professional attention. At Leenoe Motors, a trusted auto repair and brake specialist in Johannesburg, we regularly help drivers who ask: “Why are my brakes noisy?

1. Worn Brake Pads

One of the most common causes of squealing or grinding noises is worn brake pads. Most pads are designed with a small indicator that makes a high-pitched squeal when it’s time for replacement. If ignored, you might hear grinding, which means metal is rubbing against metal—a costly and dangerous issue.

What to do: Schedule a brake pad replacement in Johannesburg as soon as possible.

2. Glazed Brake Pads or Rotors

If you drive aggressively or brake too hard, your pads and rotors can become glazed (smooth and shiny). This reduces braking performance and causes squealing noises.

What to do: A professional brake service can resurface or replace your pads and rotors.

3. Dust, Dirt, or Debris

Sometimes, noisy brakes are caused by dirt or small stones stuck between the pad and rotor. This is more common if you drive on gravel roads or in dusty areas around Johannesburg.

What to do: A brake cleaning service usually fixes the issue.

4. Rust Build-Up

After a rainy night or if your car has been standing for a while, rust can form on your brake rotors. This often causes a squeak the first few times you drive, but usually disappears quickly.

What to do: If the noise doesn’t go away, it’s best to visit a Johannesburg auto repair shop to check for damage.

5. Loose or Worn Brake Components

If you hear rattling, clunking, or grinding sounds when braking, it could be a sign of worn brake calipers, clips, or hardware.

What to do: Book a full brake inspection in Johannesburg before the problem worsens.

When to Worry About Noisy Brakes

You should take brake noises seriously if:

• The sound is constant and doesn’t fade after driving a short distance

• You hear grinding or metal-on-metal noises

• The brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or unresponsive

• Your car takes longer to stop than usual

In these cases, your safety may be at risk—don’t delay a professional inspection.

Professional Brake Repair in Johannesburg

At Leenoe Motors, we specialize in:

• Brake pad replacement

• Rotor resurfacing & replacement

• Brake fluid flush

• Full brake system diagnostics

Whether you’re hearing squeaks, squeals, or grinding, our certified mechanics will identify the problem and get your vehicle back to safe, smooth braking.

👉 Book your brake inspection in Johannesburg today with Leenoe Motors and drive with confidence.

📍 Find us at 4 Shaft Street, Westgate, Johannesburg
📞 Call us at 010 065 1713 / 073 900 6493