Ever started driving and heard a loud sound coming from your brakes? This could be a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. Have you ever wondered why your brakes are making a grinding noise?
Brakes usually make a grinding noise because something is stuck inside them. Listen to the sound of your brakes, and it will determine if it needs to be replaced. While squeaking brakes are not a problem, consider getting them replaced before they start grinding.
By the end, you’ll have enough information to keep your car in good condition. Usually, you should repair your brakes annually. That way, they will continue to run smoothly when you drive on the highway.
Why Do Brakes Make Grinding Noise?
When driving a Jeep or Mazda for an extensive period of time, your brake pads start to wear out. The pads are made of brass, copper, steel, and graphite. Over time, the brake pad will start to thin, leading to an exposed metal backing. Here are examples of why its making the grinding noise:
- Stuck Caliper: If you hear a screeching or constant grinding noise when you’re driving, chances are something was stuck in the brake caliper. This could range from a foreign object, debris, or rock. Make sure you remove it before it damages your braking system.
- Brake System Component Replacement: A disconnected part in the braking system causes air to enter the brake lines. For instance, the master cylinder can have air enter your vehicle if left unattended.
- Worn Out Brake Pads: If your brake pads expire, the fluid inside your master fluid will decrease. Once the fluid levels drop, the air will sneak into your car’s brake system.
Usually, brake pads have long life spans. However, the padding will wear out if they haven’t been replaced within the 25,000- 60,000 mile mark. Once this happens, the metal backing will create a grinding noise.
Your brakes will make a squealing sound beforehand. This occurs before grinding and is a great indicator that you need to replace your pads. When the pads aren’t replaced, they will evolve into grinding.
If the brake shoes break down, it will start to make a squealing noise. While this noise is common, sometimes it’s due to the increased dust buildup.
If you have to buy a new brake pad, it’s best to get a professional’s assistance. On average, it will cost around $300 per axle, but this price can change based on the model and size of the vehicle.
Common Reasons For Faulty Brakes
Broken Rotor
The brake rollers are disks that are squeezed against each to slow down your vehicle. Water and dirt can get in since the rotor is close to the ground. If this occurs, then the rotor will become warped or rusted.
If the rotor disc is worn out, it will make a scraping sound. Do you hear a squeaking sound from your brakes? Chances are the brakes are not flat and need to be replaced.
When driving, you can feel the warped rotor through the engine vehicle. If you can feel the brake pedal and its vibrations, you’re going to have to take the brakes to a mechanic.
On average, it costs around $400 per rotor axle. Alternatively, they can be resurfaced for $10-$20 per rotor. Doing this will reduce the unpleasant braking noise coming from your vehicle.
Lack of Lubrication
Your car’s braking system has a lot of complex moving parts. Overtime, the parts will need to be relubricated. Failure to do so will result in a grinding sound in your car brakes.
Most of the time, the caliper bolts are the root cause of this problem. They are made to ensure that the brake caliper is held in place. But, they can start to attract rust, which leads to that grinding noise.
Weak Brake Pads
Buying inexpensive brake pads will lead to lower brake quality. While it can be viewed as a short-term saving, it will lead to more frequent repairs over time. In addition, cheap brake pads have a higher metal concentration, making them prone to scraping or grinding noises when braking.
Getting high-quality brake pads will ensure that you stay safe on the roads. Good brake pads offer a silent braking experience while reducing the braking distance with improved brake pad material.
Infrequent Driving
If you don’t drive your car often, the brakes will lose their effectiveness. On average, brake pads will last for 30,000-70,000 miles through normal driving based on the driving style and vehicle type. If you notice any braking issues sooner, it could be because you’re not driving it frequently.
For example, if you leave your car storage for the winter, the car will become more corroded. As the car accumulates rust, the brakes become less smooth, and you’ll hear more loud sounds from the brakes.
You can avoid this issue by driving your car often. If it’s left alone for too long, that’s when the rust starts to form. Most of the time, the rust will disappear due to normal driving.
Wheel Bearings
Your car’s wheel bearings allow it to spin without overheating. It will create a grinding noise if debris is inside or if the bearing wears out. If you think you have a bad wheel bearing, there are a few signs to check out.
For instance, when driving a Nissan, you’ll feel vibrations escalate before they slow down again. It’s similar to driving on through a highway’s rumble strip. Another sign of a bad wheel bearing is the increased wear on your tires.
Fortunately, wheel bearing issues are uncommon because they last around the 75,000 – 1000,000 mile mark. However, a replacement will cost around $700, so keep that in mind when your bearings break down.
Can I Still Drive With Grinding Brakes?
No. Driving with grinding brakes can increase the chances of getting into a car accident. When driving to the mechanic, make sure you drive slow and check the brakes along the way.
If your brakes are squealing, that is normal for sintered brake pads. However, if you have broken brake pads, it’s best to get them replaced immediately. Failure to do so will result in the brakes damaging other parts of the car and more repair fees.
How To Stop The Grinding Noise?
The best way to stop the grinding noise is to get a replacement. Schedule a meeting with your mechanic to diagnose the root cause of the noise. With their professional assistance, you’ll be able to replace your brakes within a manner of hours.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying a new Porsche or a used Ford, always know that it will need to be replaced regardless of the brand. You’ll increase your car’s performance and braking capabilities by replacing them. In conclusion, take the time to diagnose the quality of your brakes and get them repaired if they aren’t doing too well.
