Description: Your car’s Why Brakes Making Grinding Noise? It’s not just annoying; it can be a serious safety concern. In this article, we will break down the exact meaning of a brake grinding sound and what you should do when it happens.
Why Brakes Making Grinding Noise?
Brake grinding noise depends on several factors. Knowing the exact root cause can help you solve the issue faster.
Worn Brake Pads
The most common reason for a brake grinding noise is brake pads that are completely worn out. This allows the metal part of the brake pad to touch the rotor body, creating a hissing or grinding noise. If you hear this kind of sound, do not drive in this condition. You should go to the nearest service center.
Debris Between Rotor and Pad
Most of the time, some dust is coming to the brake disc rotor and the brake pad inside the passage, which is the main reason behind the glitching noise. This is not a major problem. You only need to clean the brake pad and brake disc. Check the condition of the brake disc and clean the brake disc and pad areas with air pressure.
Rust Buildup on Rotors
If you have more than one vehicle and do not drive them periodically, rust can build up on your vehicle’s brake rotors due to metal oxidation. When this rust comes into contact with the rotors while driving, it can create a rough grinding noise.
Faulty Brake Calipers or Hardware
Sometimes, the brake pad hardware kit can have issues, such as being bent or unevenly fitted. Sometimes the modified brake pad hardware kit comes in a different size, and after fixing, it makes a noise. It should be adjusted with pliers.
Is It Safe to Drive With Grinding Brakes?
The answer is “NO.” Driving with grinding brakes is very risky.
Risks Include
Brake Failure: Do not drive in this condition while a grinding noise is present, especially in a car with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The system may apply more fluid pressure to specific wheels, which could lead to brake failure.
Damaged Rotors: Continuing to drive while hearing a grinding noise can damage the brake rotor. If rotor thickness is low, don’t do skimming, change it or damage the brake pad frequently.
Higher Repair Costs: Brake rotors are more expensive than brake pads. Be careful when driving. If a grinding noise occurs, stop the vehicle and call a mechanic to replace the brake pads. After that, you can go to a service center and have the rotor skimmed. It’s a less costly but effective solution for your braking system.
Reduced Stopping Power in Emergencies
Another reason not to drive with a grinding noise is that your vehicle’s stopping distance will increase, especially in emergencies. This is because the brake pad thickness may be less than 1mm, causing the caliper piston to struggle to engage the brake pad.
Schedule a Brake Service: To avoid this type of stress on the road, you can schedule a brake service every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. By doing this for safety, you will never experience a breakdown related to this issue.
How to Prevent Grinding Brakes in the Future
Maintenance is the key. Periodic brake checkups and cleaning are essential.
Regular Inspections
Predictive maintenance enhances the brake disc and pad life. Regular cleaning prevents foreign material from getting inside the brake pad and scratching the brake rotor.
Change Brake Pads On Time
Change your brake pads when their thickness is below 5mm, or when they touch the rotor. Do not wait until they are 1mm thick. While the quotation came from the service centre, replace it, don’t wait until the brake pads are full. Some people think 5mm is still plenty of pad and will change them later, but remember that brake pads are a wear-and-tear item, and their lifespan depends on how much they are used and how often the brakes are applied.
Keep Rotors and Calipers Clean
When you change the brake pads, also clean the rotors and grease the caliper pins. If you drive in a dusty area, take extra care, as dust or debris can collect quickly.
FAQ
Q) Grinding noise when braking, but the pads are fine?
A) You should clean the brake pad and hardware kit and check the condition of the brake plate. If it is bent and touches the rotor, a grinding noise will continue even if everything else is fine.
Q) Brakes making grinding noise while driving?
A) If you hear a grinding noise while driving, the brake rotor should be skimmed. Focus on brake pad thickness and caliper pin condition.
Q) Brakes grinding, how long can I drive?
A) Do not drive. First, you should check the brake pad and rotor thickness before driving. Driving with grinding brakes is very risky.
