Diagnosis and Elimination of Disc Brake Groan in a Utility Vehicle

Brake groan noise is resolved without any major change in the design of brake system and vehicle sub-system components in the development phase of a utility vehicle. The groan noise is observed during the end of the stopping of the vehicle under moderate braking. The concerned NVH issue is perceived as unacceptable noise in the passenger compartment. Groan induced vibration is subjectively felt on steering and seat frame. A typical process is established to successfully reproduce the groan which helped in precisely evaluating the effect of modifications proposed. The temperature range of the disc which has the highest probability to produce the groan noise is found out experimentally. The transfer path analysis is carried out to find the path contributions from suspension. Acoustic transfer functions from considered paths are measured with the suspension removed from vehicle. Effects of addition of mass on various locations of suspension and stiffness change of suspension bushings are studied. Profiles of brake pad and brake disc surface geometry are modified to reduce the intensity of groan noise. An optimum and simple solution is arrived which can drastically reduce the intensity and occurrence of groan noise without compromise on pedal feel.