- Why AutoTechIQ
- Fixes
- Shops Near You
- Vehicle Symptoms
- What Are Common Car Failure Searches?
- What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
- Why Does My Car Drive Weird?
- Why Does My Car Make Noises?
- Why Does my Car smell?
- Symptoms Without Summary
- Car Leaking Coolant
- AC Isn't Cooling
- AC Blowing Hot Air
- Shaking While Driving
- Overheating AC
- AC Smells Like Vinegar
- Heater Not Working
- Windshield Wipers Don't Work
- Car Leaking Water
- Car Leaking Red Fluid
- Car Battery Leaking
- AC Only Work Sometimes
- Shaking While Idle
- Shaking At High Speeds
- Evap System Leak
- Shaking While Braking At High Speeds
- Shaking When Stopped
- Shaking When Accelerating
- Radiator Leaking
- Pink Fluid Leaking
- Car Leaking Oil
- AC Not Working.
- Car Leaking Gas
- Power Steering Fluid Leak
- Bad Brake Caliper
Hey, Why Is My Car Grinding When I Brake?
If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, click Yes
Is Your Car Producing A Grinding-like Feeling When Braking?
The grinding sounds commonly come from worn or rusty brake pads touching the rotors. Alternatively, you might also want to check the brakes for debris since that could be the case. Less commonly, the brake caliper might be damaged or misplaced and is now grinding the rotors.
When you feel a grinding sensation while braking your car, it's a warning sign that your vehicle's safety on the road is compromised. Ignoring it could lead to dangerous consequences, so taking control and understanding the causes and solutions is essential.
Don't let the problem escalate; consider contacting a trusted technician to inspect the brake noise. By addressing the issue promptly, you avoid costly repairs, ensure the integrity of your vehicle, and drive with peace of mind. Your safety on the road is invaluable, and regular maintenance can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run.
Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!
- You might also notice a spike in fuel consumption, the vehicle pulling to one side, or warning li...read more
You might also notice a spike in fuel consumption, the vehicle pulling to one side, or warning lights on the dashboard ("Check Engine" and "ABS").
The brake caliper applies pressure to the pad, causing the friction material to contact the rotor and slow the vehicle. However, if something jams the caliper, the brake pads contact the rotor, generating extra friction and heat, eventually producing visible smoke.
- You might also notice this symptom when turning left or right. In addition, the car might produce...read more
You might also notice this symptom when turning left or right. In addition, the car might produce humming sounds and vibrations or even affect fuel consumption.
The brake pads, made of friction material, are essential in braking. When applying the brakes, the friction material contacts the rotor, squeezing the caliper to slow the vehicle. But when the friction material wears out, the metal plate touches the rotor, making a grinding noise and sensation when braking. This happens when the brake pads are old and worn.
- Drum brakes use different parts to stop your wheels from turning. The brake shoes, which have a m...read more
Drum brakes use different parts to stop your wheels from turning. The brake shoes, which have a metal part and friction material, press against the drum to stop the wheel. Over time, the friction material can wear down and produce a grinding noise. The emergency brake also uses brake shoes, using a lever to push the shoes out. If the friction material is worn, the emergency brake may be unable to push the shoes far enough to touch the drum, preventing them from stopping the car.
- This sporadic noise might appear when turning the car or even if you're driving straight. ...read more
This sporadic noise might appear when turning the car or even if you're driving straight.
The brake rotors are like big disks that the brake pads press against to stop the car. Sometimes, the rotors can pick up debris or rust, creating minor rust in the brake pads. This can make a sporadic grinding noise when you press the brakes, even if the brake pads are healthy.
- You might also notice that the tires are overheating, and the car's fuel consumption is increasin...read more
You might also notice that the tires are overheating, and the car's fuel consumption is increasing. Also, the brakes might grind louder when you apply them, possibly causing vibrations.
The brakes on your car are near the wheels and close to the road. Sometimes, road debris can jam between the brake pad and the rotor. This debris sticks out further than the brake pad, wearing down the rotor and causing a grinding noise. This noise is usually noticeable even when you're not pressing the brakes.
- The grinding noise might appear even if you turn the wheel without pressing the brakes. Also, you...read more
The grinding noise might appear even if you turn the wheel without pressing the brakes. Also, you might hear humming noises, and the vehicle may slightly pull to one side.
The wheel bearing helps your tire stay in place and spin without wobbling. If the wheel bearing starts to fail, the wheel and hub become wobbly. Also, since the brake caliper connects to the steering knuckle, the wheel or rotor might rub against the brake caliper or brake caliper support if the wheel bearing is loose. Consequently, this causes brake grinding noises when you turn the wheel.
Find Professional Help
Please select your vehicle's brand and location so we can locate the best professional help for youVehicle Health Inspection Proof
Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.
Stuck brake caliper
Rusty brake rotors
Debris-ridden brake pads
Worn brake shoes
Worn brake pads
Faulty wheel bearing
This image shows a rusty brake caliper in a rotor. In this case, the caliper constantly touches the rotor, causing overheating and damage.
A customer noticed a strange smell and smoke coming from the left front tire of their vehicle and brought it to the shop. They also noticed that the front wheels were dirty and suspected a problem with the wheel bearing.
When test-driving the vehicle, the technician felt a slight pull to the left after releasing the brakes; they also felt burning smells. During the vehicle health inspection, the technician saw hot spots and discoloration on the left front brake rotor and caliper.
During additional tests, approved by the customer, the technician found resistance in the caliper piston on the left front when retracting, so it was stuck. This stuck caliper was causing extreme friction-induced heat and discoloration.
To fix the issue, the technician recommended replacing both front calipers, rotors, and pads. A brake fluid flush was also necessary because of the heat introduced into the braking system.
1/6
This image shows a brake rotor completely rusted. In this case, the rust compromises other brake parts in the entire brake system.
The customer brought their vehicle to the shop because they heard a grinding noise when applying the brakes. The noise started about a month ago and disappeared, but it comes back sporadically.
During the test drive, the technician noticed the front brakes were louder than usual, and the brake pedal was stiff.
During a vehicle health inspection, the technician saw that the front pads were too thin and the front rotors were highly rusted and glazed. So, the customer approved additional tests to investigate further.
After disassembling the front brakes, the technician found a lot of metal stuck in the brake pads, and the rotors were just at the minimum thickness.
To fix the issue, the technician recommended replacing the front brake pads because of particles transferred from the rusty rotors. They also recommended replacing the front rotors due to rust. This type of issue can happen in any vehicle type, from Japanese to American brands.
2/6
This proof image shows a healthy brake rotor. However, the red arrow points to a small grove caused by a rock that entered the system.
The customer brought in their vehicle because they heard a grinding or swishing noise from the right front wheel. The noise was noticeably coming from the right side of the car. The customer was unsure if it was safe to keep driving with grinding brakes.
During the test drive, the technician noted a metallic or grinding noise from the right front wheel.
During the vehicle health inspection, the technician saw that the front brakes were at average thickness, but there was a groove in the right front rotor. However, all four wheel bearings appeared to be okay.
After disassembling the right front brake, the technician found a rock stuck in the right front brake pad. Then, the technician removed the rock and reassembled the brakes. Finally, they did a final test drive, noticing the noise was gone, and no other repairs were necessary.
3/6
This proof image shows a lack of brake shoe material; the result is constant metal-to-metal contact and grinding noises.
The customer brought their vehicle in because of a problem with the emergency brake. They parked the car on their sloped driveway and used the emergency brake. However, the brake pedal fell quickly, and the vehicle started rolling down the driveway. So, they were not sure if driving with this grinding noise was safe.
During the test drive, the technician noticed the brake pedal almost reached the floor before triggering the brakes. The emergency brake didn't slow the vehicle down at all.
During the vehicle health inspection, the technician saw the rear brake shoes were worn completely, with no friction material, and were metal to metal, damaging the drums. However, they found them within the manufacturer's specifications after measuring the drums.
The technician recommended replacing the brake shoes and hardware to fix the issue. They also recommend machining the brake drums and performing a brake system flush.
4/6
This proof image shows a brake pad without the necessary material to avoid metal-to-metal contact. As a result, the rotor is visibly damaged.
A customer recently brought their car in because they noticed a problem with the brakes. They said the brakes started making a squeaking noise now and then a week ago. Then, during a panic stop on the highway, they heard a loud grinding noise from the front of the car. The brakes would also make a burning smell after grinding.
The customer didn't know if it was safe to drive with grinding brakes. The technician took the car for a test drive, noticing a loud grinding sound from both front tires when rapidly applying the brakes.
During the vehicle health inspection, the technician saw that the front brake pads were worn, even touching the rotors. The rotors also had deep grooves and were not up to the manufacturer's specifications.
The technician recommended replacing the front brake pads and rotors and flushing the brake system fluid to fix the problem and ensure the car is safe to drive.
5/6
This proof image shows a loose wheel bearing, damaging the rotor and rubbing on the caliper bracket. The result is a grinding noise when turning.
When making a right turn, a customer reported a grinding noise from the left wheel. They expressed concern because they had heard this noise before, and it turned out to be metal-to-metal contact in their brakes. So, they were not sure if it was okay to drive with this grinding noise.
During the test drive, the technician confirmed the customer's report and heard a growling and grinding noise from the left front wheel while turning right.
The vehicle health inspection revealed that the left wheel bearing was loose, causing the brake rotor to rub against the brake saddle. Additionally, the technician observed that the front brake pads were thin, and the front rotors exceeded the minimum specifications.
After the customer approved additional tests, the technician disassembled the left front wheel bearing and brakes, finding wear to the brake saddle and damage to the rotor.
The technician recommended replacing the left front wheel bearing, resurfacing both front rotors, and scuffing the brake pads to renew their surface. This repair would ensure the safety and integrity of the brake system.
6/6Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)
The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.
The AutoTechIQ ranking for Safety, Cost Avoidance, and Environmental Impact is
Vehicle Symptoms
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
Other things your auto repair shop might talk about:
Grinding brakes. Brake discs. Brake failure. Squeaky brakes. steering column. brakes start.