When there are strange sounds from the brake or the clutch, that is the beginning of trouble. There is no question about the importance of these two mechanisms as it pertains to the operation of a motor vehicle. Despite the fact that the brakes have been improved over time, the driver’s responsibility for their proper usage is by no means reduced. Here are a few brake or clutch problems and possible causes for your information and action.

1. Scored brake drums or discs

3. Dust or dirt building up in brake drums

4. Weak or broken brake springs

7. Loose front or rear wheel

8. Defective or missing insulator tips on rear leaf springs

2. Loose front or rear-wheel bearings

4. “Spiral groove in drum resulting from improper machining, usually right after brakes have been serviced,” says Andrew Brown, auto mechanic

1. Any loose condition in brake, possibly steering mechanism

2. Brake shoes rubbing on side of drum

3. Small stones in brake drum

4. Brake linings worn off shoes or pads and metal contacting drum or disc

1. Broken, seized up or improperly adjusted cables

2. Seized linkage or broken springs in rear brake shoe assembly

5. Grease or brake fluid on brake lining

6. Seized pulleys or control mechanism

1. Clutch slipping because of wear and tear

2. Insufficient free pedal in clutch adjustment

4. Disconnected worn or maladjusted gearshift linkage not selecting gear

5. The clutch saturated in oil

6. The car not in gear

8. Broken rear axle, drive shaft or universal joint

2. Worn or dry clutch pilot bearing

3. Rear flat leaf springs loose on rear-axle housing

4. Broken or loose motor mount

5. Defective front transmission bearing or rear main-bearing seal resulting in oil-soaked clutch assembly

6. Scored flywheel, especially if a new clutch assembly has been installed and a scored flywheel has not been replaced.