Previously we’ve explained what causes your car brakes to squeak. But that’s not the only noise your brakes can make. While you’re driving or stopping, you may hear your brakes making a grinding noise, which if not addressed, can cause serious problems to your car.
To understand what actually causes your brakes to make a grinding noise, our experts have created an in-depth guide of what to signs to look out for, as well as how to get rid of it too.
If your car brakes ever need work performing on them, you can buy a wide range of brake parts from us, all supplied by respected brands, to tackle your car problems and ensure you’re driving safely.
Brake Making a Grinding Noise While You’re Driving
Lodged rocks and debris
If you hear your brakes grinding while you’re driving or while you’re travelling at speed, it often happens when rocks and stones have got lodged in the caliper or the rotor. If you do think the brakes have got debris stuck in them, you need to get it removed as quickly as you can, otherwise it can severely damage not only your brakes, but other performance components as well.
If you can see and reach the debris, it’s possible to remove it yourself. But to be sure it has been fully removed, it’s best to go to a professional mechanic and have them inspect your car in much greater detail.
Not driving your car often enough
When you’ve not used your car for a long time, or you don’t drive it often, this is another reason you may hear a grinding noise from your brakes while driving. Keeping your car in a garage or parked up means that the rotors can go rusty and corrode; that’s why you should always try and drive your car when you can to avoid this happening.
Brake Making a Grinding Noise When You Press On The Brakes
Thinning brake pads
When you press on the car brake pedal and hear a grinding noise as your car slows down or stops, it can be down to your brake pads thinning. Over time and through use, your brake pads wear out; when they become too thin, they’ll start making a screeching noise (known as brake scrubbing), which if not addressed, will turn into a grinding noise.
Like when you need to remove any debris from your caliper or rotor, you need to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic, who’ll replace your brake pads for you. However, if the grinding noise has gone on too long and not been fixed, both your brake discs and rotors may need replacing as well.
Along with getting your brake pads replaced, make sure your mechanic replaces any worn-out or broken shims too. If these aren’t replaced, they can cause the grinding noise to continue.
Faulty brake disc and calipers
If while you’re driving along, your car’s brake pedal feels like it’s slightly rumbling, it can be a sign that the brake disc or calipers are faulty. The grinding noise itself can sound a lot sharper than the noise your brake pads make.
Similar to when fitting replacement brake pads, it’s advised that you go to a professional mechanic as soon as possible to have new brake discs and calipers fitted.
Brakes Making a Grinding Noise When You Stop Suddenly
Your anti-lock brake system
If you ever need to suddenly press on your car brakes or perform an emergency stop, a grinding noise can occur because of your anti-lock brake system (ABS) coming into effect, which prevents your car from skidding, and your wheels locking up.
Anti-lock brake systems work when you apply your full brakes, and due to the force required to stop your car, this can cause a sudden grinding noise. As with feeling the brake pedal rumbling with a faulty brake disc, you’ll feel the pedal vibrate from the pressure needed to stop the car with the ABS.
After you take your foot off the pedal and begin driving again, the grinding noise should go away. However, if the grinding noise continues, you need to get your brakes checked as soon as possible, as this could be happening due to worn brake pads.
Other Reasons Car Brakes Make a Grinding Noise
Faulty wheel bearings
Wheel bearings connect your car’s wheels to the axle and stop your tyres from producing too much heat while rotating. If your bearings begin to wear out however, this can cause a grinding noise from your brakes.
To ensure your wheels and brakes are safe, it’s essential you get your wheel bearings replaced as soon as you can.
Your car brakes need lubricating
With all the metal that moving around your car brakes, lubrication is key to keeping them running smoothly. However, just as you need to top up or change your car’s oil to keep it healthy, you need to ensure that your car’s brake grease is at the required levels to avoid damaging the components, or risk hearing a dreaded grinding noise.
If you do hear your brakes making a grinding noise, it you may need to get your car serviced to solve the problem. Find out what’s included as part of a car service, and how often your vehicle needs one, with our expert guide.