This paper presents an experimental approach to study the effect of friction on magnerorheological (MR) fluids. Both steady and dynamic modes were employed to investigate MR fluid behaviors. The experimental results indicate that the total MR effects are dominated by two factors: magnetic force and friction force. Conventionally, the magnetic force contribution to MR effect has been intensively studied while the friction force effect has attracted less attention. This study provides a method to quantitatively predict the friction contribution to the total MR effect. It may be used to effectively analyze enhanced MR effects reported by other groups. Also, it might provide good guidance to develop high-efficiency MR fluids.