Does your car make an annoying popping noise when braking, and you can’t figure out the cause? At first, this noise may not distract you, especially if it’s just a single pop noise. However, if this noise is consistent every time you hit the brakes, you are dealing with a serious issue.
Is it safe to drive with a pop noise when braking? What causes this noise, and how can you fix it? You’re not alone if these are the questions popping up in your mind. It’s a common issue you must address promptly.
Herein, I detail the causes of a pop noise when braking and what you should do. You’ll also understand if driving with a pop noise in the brakes is safe.
Question: What Does a Pop Noise When Braking Mean?
A popping noise when applying brakes could mean several issues with the brake system. It could mean an air buildup in the brake system, affecting how the calipers and master cylinder perform.
Besides air buildup issues, you may hear this noise if there are issues with the brake pads, brake fluid, rotors, and brake backing plates. Additionally, if there’s a foreign object stuck in your brakes, you may hear this noise as you brake.
If you encounter this problem, it’s wise to determine the cause.
Answer: Reasons for Popping Noise When Braking
The most common reasons for a pop noise when braking include:
- Air in the brake system
- Loose brake pads
- Worn-out or warped rotors
- Sticking brake calipers
- Improperly adjusted brakes
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Distorted brake backing plates
Air in the Brake System
Your car’s brake system is air-tight, meaning it doesn’t allow air to enter the system. However, driving with worn brake pads, pistons, or calipers can cause air to sip into the brake lines. This issue can reduce pressure in the system and cause ineffective braking. Also, you’re likely to hear a pop noise when braking.
The solution to this problem is brake bleeding to remove any trapped air in the lines. If bleeding your brakes seems daunting, take the car to an authorized mechanic for help.
Loose Brake Pads
Loose brake pads are another possible cause of popping noise when you apply brakes. Each brake pad should stay secured or attached to its brake caliper seat. This allows the pads to provide the necessary grip to slow or stop the car.
Over time, brake pads can become loose due to improper installation, reckless driving, or excessive wear and tear. Loose brake pads will bounce or shift, making contact with the rotors. As a result, you’ll hear a pop sound, especially when braking at low speeds.
If you suspect the brake pads are the cause, inspect them to see if they’re loose or worn. Secure them to their brake caliper seats or replace them if they look worn.
Worn-out or Warped Rotors
Worn-out or warped rotors could be to blame if you hear a popping noise after applying brakes. This component attaches to the wheel’s hub and offers the braking surface for the pads.
Rotor discs wear out due to using low-quality or excessively worn brake pads. These pads scrape the rotor’s exterior (protective coating), causing them to get warped. When this happens, you’ll hear a popping or squeaking noise when braking.
Moreover, worn rotors and brake pads create a big gap between them that can cause a pop sound when braking. The only way to fix this issue is to replace the worn-out rotors and brake pads.
Sticking Brake Calipers
The brake calipers might be sticking if you hear a single pop noise when braking. The role of brake calipers is to house the brake pads and press them against rotors when braking.
If there’s a buildup of rust or dirt in the calipers, they won’t slide to press brake pads against rotors. Moreover, improperly lubricated slide pins that allow calipers to move when braking can cause this sticking problem. These issues will trigger a single metallic pop noise when braking.
Cleaning the dirty or rusty calipers can help resolve this issue. You can use detail brushes and water to clean the dirty calipers. A brake caliper brush or rust remover fluid can help clean the rusty calipers.
If the slide pins are insufficiently lubed, disassemble the calipers and lubricate them properly.
Improperly adjusted Brakes
Incorrectly adjusted brake pads and calipers can be the source of the popping noise when braking.
The brake pads and rotors must be even with each other to allow proper braking. Unfortunately, improper alignment, worn-out components, or bad braking habits can cause the pads to lean on one side. If the pads don’t sit properly in their brackets, they’ll make a pop noise when braking.
Improperly adjusted calipers will prevent the brakes from cooling and contribute to this issue. When this happens, the brake fluid fails to circulate as it should, causing ineffective braking. This issue can also cause the brake pads to wear unevenly and make a pop noise when you brake.
If you suspect brake pads and calipers are incorrectly adjusted, allow a professional to inspect and adjust them. You may also need to replace the worn pads and bolt everything to secure them.
Contaminated Brake Fluid
Whether you like it or not, your brake fluid can get contaminated and reduce braking efficiency. Particles such as sand, dust, debris, or moisture can accumulate in the brake fluid, breaking it down chemically. Consequently, you may experience several braking issues, including a popping noise.
Worn or broken parts can cause moisture, dirt, and debris to enter the brake system. They can also get into the system if the brakes are improperly adjusted and contaminate the brake fluid.
Since brake fluid is hygroscopic, it may absorb moisture from the air, causing the brake pads to lock up. These issues may result in a pop noise when braking.
Flushing the brake lines to remove the accumulated dirt, dust, or moisture can help resolve this problem. You’ll need to flush enough brake cleaner into the lines to remove all contaminants. After flushing, add fresh brake fluid and fix any issue causing contaminants to enter the braking system.
Distorted Brake Backing Plates
If all the above checks out but you still hear a popping noise when braking, check the brake backing plates for defects. These components link to the brakes’ rear, forming a solid foundation for your drum brakes. Their role is to prevent dirt or debris from entering the braking system.
Excessive braking force or overheating can cause the backing plates to become distorted or bent. Bent backing plates tend to scrape against the rotors or calipers, causing a loud popping noise from your car’s rear.
Distorted or bent backing plates will also introduce foreign objects, such as dirt and debris, into the braking system. When these strange items rub against the brake pads and rotors, they can cause a popping sound when braking.
Start by cleaning the brakes to remove any foreign objects stuck between the pads and rotors. Then, replace the distorted brake backing plates.
Question: Is Driving With a Popping Noise in Your Brakes Safe?
If the popping noise doesn’t affect braking efficiency, you can continue driving without worrying about an imminent danger.
What if you experience other braking issues like unresponsive brakes or grinding noise accompanying the pop noise?
In this case, driving can be unsafe, and it’s wise to check the brakes and fix the root problem.

Final Thoughts
Several issues can cause a popping noise when braking. The most common causes of this annoying noise include loose or worn brake pads, worn rotors, improperly adjusted brakes, sticking brake calipers, or contaminated brake fluid.
Whatever the cause, examine your brakes and repair or replace the defective parts. Seek professional help if fixing this problem in the braking system feels daunting.