Let’s face it:
The only thing worse than a squeaking noise while driving is not knowing what’s causing it — especially when you’re not even hitting the brakes.
While brake system issues might cross your mind first, they’re not always the culprit.
So, if not squeaking brakes, what else could it be?
Suspension issues, low fluids, and faulty belts are just a few possibilities.
But don’t fret — we’ll walk you through the common causes of squeaky noises, their fixes, and some smart tips to keep your car running quietly.
This Article Contains:
- 10 Causes Behind a Car Squeaking While Not Braking (+Fixes)
- Can You Drive a Car that Squeaks?
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Squeaking Car?
- How to Prevent Your Car from Squeaking
10 Causes Behind a Car Squeaking While Not Braking (+Fixes)
Here are the possible culprits behind your squeaky brakes and how a mechanic will address them:
1. Debris Stuck in the Wheel Well
If debris, like stones, gets stuck between the wheel and the wheel well, it’ll cause friction and squealing or grinding noise. The squealing can get more intense depending on the wheel speed.
How to fix: Remove any debris in the wheel well to stop the squeal sound.
2. Stuck Brake Calipers
When you press the brake pedal, the brake calipers on your disc brakes push the brake pad (friction material) against the rotors to slow down the car.
If a brake caliper gets stuck in the engaged position due to worn caliper bolts or brake dust, the pads will continuously rub against the brake rotor. This results in worn brake pads and a squealing noise or grinding noise from the brakes.
However, only vehicles with a brake disc system have calipers. Cars with drum brakes won’t experience this brake issue as they use a brake shoe instead of the brake caliper.
How to fix: Applying brake cleaner and brake grease to the problem area may release a stuck brake caliper and temporarily fix the brake noise. However, a mechanic may need to rebuild or replace the caliper and install new brake pads to fix the brake noise fully.
NOTE: A misadjusted or poorly lubricated parking brake cable can also create friction and make the brake squeak when the car moves. Even if the parking brake isn’t fully engaged, the cable may still actuate the braking system components inside the rear brakes, engaging the friction material and producing noise.
3. Worn Suspension Components
Damaged shock absorbers or springs may not correctly absorb impact, leading to a squeaking noise because of the added strain. Moreover, a wheel bearing can squeak due to a lack of lubrication or contamination.
How to fix: Resolving a suspension-related squeal typically involves replacing damaged components like a wheel bearing or spring.
4. Low Power-Steering Fluid
Insufficient power steering fluid levels often increase strain on the pump when turning the steering wheel, which causes friction and squeaking noise.
How to fix: The mechanic will flush the power steering fluid and repair any leaks to stop the squeal.
5. Steering Column Issues
If the steering column becomes rusty or lacks lubrication due to age and exposure to moisture, increased friction will cause a squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel.
How to fix: If the column is rusty, they’ll likely replace it. Otherwise, they’ll lubricate the joints to stop the squeak.
6. Bad Serpentine Belt
If the serpentine belt is worn, loose, or misaligned, it can slip during operation, resulting in a squealing sound when you start the engine or turn the steering wheel. The squeaking sound may worsen as your vehicle speeds up.
How to fix: Depending on the issue causing the noise, the mechanic will either tighten or replace the belt.
7. Worn or Loose Timing Belt
The timing belt can cause a squealing noise either when starting the car or while driving. This could be caused by wear, contamination, improper installation, or an incorrectly sized belt. These issues usually result in poor grip between the belt and pulleys, causing a squealing sound.
How to fix: Tightening or replacing the belts should fix the noise.
8. Water Pump Issues
The water pump contains bearings that allow its pulley to rotate smoothly. Over time, these bearings can wear out, leading to increased friction and squealing noise.
How to fix: The mechanic may replace the worn bearings. However, it’s more common and efficient to replace the entire water pump as bearings are integrated into the pump.
9. Bad Constant Velocity Joint
If the constant velocity (CV) boot, which is the protective cover over the CV joint, gets damaged, grease can leak out of the joint, and debris can enter it. This can cause excessive friction and a squeaking sound.
How to fix: For minor damage like bad CV boots, repairing the joint may stop the squeak. However, if there’s significant wear on the joint, they’ll need replacement.
10. Car Brake Issue
Some vehicles with both drum brakes or disc brakes have built-in squealers that alert you when the brake pads or friction material is worn down. In this case, you may hear a squeaking sound even without pressing the brake pedal.
How to fix: Worn brake components typically require replacement. Sometimes, you might even need a new rotor along with a brake pad replacement.
Wondering if it’s safe to drive a squeaking car?
The short answer is no. Read on to find out why.
Can You Drive a Car that Squeaks?
You should avoid driving when you hear a squeaking noise.
Problems like worn-out brake pads can limit your vehicle’s stopping ability, making it risky to drive. Other issues, like debris in the wheel well, can cause additional damage to the brakes and suspension, resulting in costly repairs.
Moreover, if you ignore a squeaking noise, your warranty won’t cover a major repair if it’s found to be due to your negligence.
Next, read on to find out how much you need to shell out to fix squeaky brakes.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Squeaking Car?
From getting new brake pads to replacing timing belts, here’s what it’ll cost to fix squeaky brakes:
- Brake calipers: $300 to $1500
- Shock absorber: $450 to $2,500 for a pair of shocks and struts
- Suspension coil springs: $350 to $420
- Power steering pump: $500 to $800
- Water pump: $400 to $925
- Serpentine belt: $90 to $250
- Timing belt: $400 to $1100
- Steering column: $400 to $900
- CV joints: $900 to $1200
- Brake rotor: $250 per axle
- Brake pad: $115 to $320 per axle
While some squeaky noise fixes might not break the bank, it’s always best to prevent the need for repairs altogether.
So, let’s look at some valuable tips to keep your car in top shape.
How to Prevent Your Car from Squeaking
Preventing issues that cause a squeaking noise involves several maintenance practices:
- Brake calipers: Clean each brake pad, guide pin, and caliper piston regularly with a brake cleaner. Also, clean brake dust and, if needed, apply brake grease to prevent brake issue.
- Power steering pump: Avoid aggressive driving and overloading your vehicle.
- Water pump: Avoid driving at high speeds for too long or in excessive stop-and-go traffic.
- Steering column: Don’t drive on rough roads with sharp turns.
- Brake pads and rotors: Avoid hard braking and take your vehicle for regular brake inspection.
- Serpentine belt: Inspect the belt during every oil change and adjust the belt tensioners to ensure adequate tension.
- Timing belt: Check for oil leaks, replace the belt at recommended intervals, and use quality parts (pulleys, tensioners, and belts).
- CV joints: Avoid potholes and be cautious near curbs, as accidental impact could damage the joint.
Ensure a Squeak-Free Ride with AutoNation Mobile Service
Anything from debris in the wheel well to problems with the car brake, like stuck brake calipers, can lead to a squeaking vehicle. While a squeaky noise may not seem like a pressing issue, you should get it fixed ASAP to prevent serious damage to your car.
Don’t want to squeak your way to the mechanic?
Let AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics come to you. We offer easy online booking and provide a 12-month,12,000-mile warranty on all repairs, including brake pad replacement or CV joint repair. We’re also available seven days a week for any maintenance needs.
Contact us at any time your vehicle makes a squealing noise or for a regular brake inspection.