Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

Have your brakes been making a grinding noise? This grinding or scraping noise usually means that your brake pads have worn down completely, and the metal backing of the pads is now rubbing against the brake rotor. Brakes grinding when stopping is a common issue that can happen for a few different reasons. But if you’ve been wondering, “Why are my brakes grinding?”, don’t worry. Our service department is here to help, and we’ve put together a handy guide below to help our Carroll customers understand why this is happening and what you should do about it.

Why are My Brakes Grinding? Five Reasons Your Brakes Are Making Grinding Noises

Brakes that are grinding when stopping on Fort Dodge roads typically indicate one of the following problems:

• Worn-out brake pads – This is the most common cause. When the friction material on the pads wears down to nothing, the metal backing grinds against the rotor.
• Glazed brake pads – Over time, brake pad material can become glazed and hard from heat. This causes reduced braking power and a grinding noise.
• Worn brake rotors – If rotors become excessively worn, they can cause vibrating and grinding when braking due to uneven contact with the pads.
• Loose, broken or missing caliper hardware – Issues with caliper slides, mounts or hardware like pins and clips can lead to brake grinding.

If you start to hear your brakes grinding when stopping, remain calm and do the following:

• Brake gently to avoid further damage
• Have your brakes inspected as soon as possible if your brakes are making a grinding noise
• Be prepared for the mechanic to recommend replacement brake pads or rotors

When to Replace Brake Pads

Brake pads should be replaced when the friction material wears down to 2-3 millimeters thick. Waiting too long increases the risk of damaging rotors and causing grinding. On average, brake pads last 30,000-70,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Signs Your Brakes Need Attention

• Brakes grinding when stopping
• Vibrating or pulsating brake pedal
• Illumination of the brake warning light on your dash
• Reduced stopping power even with hard pedal pressure

Let the Brake Experts at Macke Motors, Inc. of Lake City Help

Safe braking is essential, so never ignore signs of brake wear. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s smart to have your brakes checked to identify and resolve the problem promptly. Head to the service department at Macke Motors, Inc. at the first sign of trouble to have your brakes inspected and repaired. We’re conveniently located near Lake View, so schedule a brake inspection today to get your car stopping smoothly and silently again!