Why Are My Brakes Clicking When I Change Direction?

There’s no question that brakes are an integral part of driving. Stopping your vehicle is, after all, just as important as moving your vehicle. If you start to hear strange clicking sounds whenever you brake while changing directions, it’s natural to worry. Let’s take a look at the possible causes behind this clicking, how to potentially fix it, and if you should drive once you notice it.

Causes Behind Clicking Brakes

There are a number of potential causes behind the clicking noise in your brakes. These include the following:

Loose Hub Caps

Loose hub caps can lead to clicking and sounds when your vehicle turns. They wobble when they’re loose, causing the offending noise. At times, you might notice a popping sound even when driving straight or accelerating. You can easily check your hub caps to see if they’re loose and tighten them accordingly.

Damaged Constant Velocity (CV) Joints

Your vehicle’s CV joints can be found at the end of its front axle. These joints are mechanical parts that minimize friction and internal play while transmitting power evenly through different angles. They increase the front axle’s flexibility, helping it run the wheels and suspensions. If anything’s wrong with the CV joint, it can affect the axle’s flexibility, leading to grease behind the wheels and a bad popping noise when the vehicle takes a turn.

Loose Brake Pads

The brake pads are meant to create friction against the brake rotors, slowing and eventually stopping your vehicle. Loose brake pads fail to make contact between the calipers and the brake rotors. When you apply force to the brakes, this then creates a rattling sound as the brake pads move about.

Improper Brake Parallelism

If the brake pads are properly aligned in relation to the rotor, that means they have good brake parallelism. If they aren’t parallel to the rotor though, the pads might begin to break, their pieces touching the rotor at an angle and making clicking noises as a result. Improper brake parallelism often happens due to improper placement of the brake pads or rotor, worn steering and suspension, and worn or damaged suspension components.

Loose Drive Belt or Tensioner

The drive belt delivers power to the power steering, alternator, and air conditioning while connecting them to the crankshaft. The tensioners keep the drive belt sufficiently tightened. If you hear a clicking or popping noise from your brakes, it might mean that the drive belt or its tensioners have become loose.

Irregularly Inflated Tires

If your tires aren’t evenly inflated, they might make popping noises when you brake and change direction. Try to inflate your tires evenly.

Bent Brake Backing Plates

The brake backing plates give the brake pads a surface to press against once the brakes are engaged. If this metal plate, which is located behind the brake pads, ends up bent, it can cause the brake pads to misalign and touch the rotor incorrectly at an angle. This leads to the dreaded clicking noise.

Worn-Out Tie Rod

Your vehicle’s tie rods connect its steering rack to the steering arm, which in turn connects to your steering wheel. If the tie rods are close to breaking, they can make popping noises as your vehicle turns. A broken tie rod is incredibly dangerous, so if you hear popping while turning and braking, it’s best to find out what’s wrong right away.

Bad Struts

The struts, which are part of the suspension system, help your vehicle absorb shocks while on the road. If your struts are faulty, you’ll hear a clicking sound from your brakes as you turn. Bad struts can be dangerous, so check them  if you notice that the popping sounds are coming from your vehicle’s suspension system.

Damaged Brake Rotor

When you engage the brakes, the brake pads press up against discs called brake rotors. Damaged or worn brake rotors, much like bad brake backing plates, can misalign the brake pads, resulting in clicking noises when braking as the pads press against the rotors at a misaligned angle.

Worn Brake Calipers

The brake calipers apply pressure to the brake pads so they can press up against the brake rotors and slow or stop your vehicle. Worn or damaged calipers won’t work well and might not apply the right amount of pressure to the brake pads. This can lead to clicking noises while braking as the brake pads move around in the caliper.

Debris

If debris gets between your wheel and the brake caliper, it can easily cause a clicking sound when you press the brake pedal. Try to check for debris in the area between the wheels and the calipers and clean it as necessary.

How To Fix Brakes Clicking

To fix the clicking sound in your brakes, you’ll need to find the exact reason they’re making sounds in the first place. Try to check for easy things first, like loose hubcaps, tire height, or debris. You can check the steering and wheel system if you suspect the calipers or tie rods. You might be able to fix this problem yourself, but don’t hesitate to contact a certified mechanic if you’re in over your head.

Can You Drive With Clicking Brakes?

While you can drive with clicking brakes, it’s safer to wait until you identify the source before driving anywhere. If you have to test your brakes to locate the source of the sound, try to do so in a secluded place away from any serious traffic like an abandoned parking lot.

There are a variety of reasons your brakes might be clicking when you turn your vehicle. Some are mostly harmless while others can lead to grave accidents. That’s why it’s important to find out what’s wrong right away. Try to check as many potential problem areas as possible so you know whether or not it’s safe to get back on the road.