My car has started making a brief squeal on the first two or three brake applications after sitting overnight. After that it is quiet for the rest of the drive. Braking feels normal and there is no steering shake.
It seems worse after damp nights, which makes me wonder about surface rust on the rotors, but I do not want to assume every brake noise is harmless. Pads were replaced about a year ago.
Is the pattern itself useful for distinguishing normal overnight rust/noise from something that should be inspected sooner?
2 replies
That pattern does sound like overnight surface rust to me, especially if it quiets after a few stops. Damp mornings make it more noticeable.
That pattern does sound like overnight surface rust to me, especially if it quiets after a few stops. Damp mornings make it more noticeable.
I get the same thing after rain on my car. First stop sounds like I’m driving a shopping cart, then it disappears.
If braking feels normal and it only happens cold, I would not panic. Still worth watching for any change in how the pedal feels or if the noise starts lasting longer.