Q: My Brake pedal makes a humming when pressed

asked by on January 24, 2017

Brakes work as they should but a humming sound comes from the engine area

My car has 190000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Squealing noise from brakes Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The brake caliper(s) could be failing to retract, thus setting up a harmonic during or after application of the brakes. Calipers should be rebuilt (or replaced) every 75,000 miles or so due to the harsh operating conditions they endure, principally high heat and corrosion. The problem is brake calipers eventually become sticky in operation. In addition, the caliper torque plate has sliding pins that have to be free and well lubricated with high temperature brake grease in order for the brake pads to retract from the rotor once you release the brake pedal. There are also brake shims in the assembly that could have failed or are missing. Rotor defects or wear can also cause brake noise. These possibilities should be looked at first. To resolve this, the recommended service is a brake noise diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, a certified mechanic will be dispatched by YourMechanic to evaluate your brakes and address all your concerns.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car shakes when started
Hello, Having your car shake during start up is not a pleasant experience, to say the least. There are several factors that could lead to the symptoms your Monte Carlo is experiencing with shaking while starting. While the timing chain...
Gear selector stuck in park
Hello. This is a common problem in both Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs of that year. The safety system requires pushing on the brake to start the vehicle, so the problem is likely that the brake switch on the...
White smoke from tailpipe
Your engine is getting coolant into it and producing the white smoke out the tail pipe. The coolant could be getting into the motor from the intake, head gaskets, or head crack. The system would need to be checked to...
Can I use back door handle for the front door handle inside and out, if so how?
I would recommend against doing this. Most vehicle door handles are not compatable from front to back. If you have a junk yard near your location, you can usually get parts such as door handles very inexpensively. I would recommend...
power steering got hard after hitting a hole.
Hi there. When the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) light came on after hitting a pot hole in the road, then the jolt could have dislodged a wire from the EPS controller. Look around the steering column for any loose wiring....
I have a 2007 Kia spectra and it's been sitting for 2 months and my husband just went to started it wouldn't start
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty starter solenoid. A faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts...
When my car is idling at ref light it's shakes as if it's going to die. What is the problem?
Shaking or vibration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-shaking-pulsating-or-vibrating-inspection) may be caused by many different things such as faulty spark plugs, poor fuel pressure or misfires. Other things such as a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) may cause the engine idle to drop below...
Inside beeping noise when starting my 2014 Chevy Cruz
Hi Lakeshia. Thanks for writing in today. Most of the time, when you hear a chime when the car starts, it's a safety warning indicating that either a door or seat belt is not correctly closed or a sensor that...
Chrysler Sebring 2005 overheating
Hi Richard. Thanks for contacting us tonight. There are several reasons why your Sebring is still overheating after replacing the thermostat. The first item that comes to mind is that the coolant may not have been properly primed, which can...

Related articles

How to Buy a Good Quality Brake Caliper
Nothing Nothing is more important for your own and your family’s safety while driving than your car’s brakes. If just one component malfunctions, you could be facing a very dangerous situation. Brake systems are made up of multiple elements, including...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Fuel Pump
Common signs include a whining noise, hard starting, engine performance issues, and an inability to start the car.
How Long Does a Brake Master Cylinder Last?
The The fluid that flows through the braking system in your car is what helps to provide the pressure needed to stop a car. Without the proper amount of brake fluid in your car, it will be nearly impossible to...