Why do my brakes grind when I stop?
Grinding when you brake usually means the pad material is gone and the metal backing plate is scraping the rotor. That damages the rotor quickly and makes stopping less reliable. Drive as little as possible and get the brakes looked at right away. Less often, it's a small stone stuck near the rotor, or rust after the car sat.
What's causing the grind
Brake pads are a layer of friction material bonded to a steel plate. When that layer wears away, the steel hits the rotor directly. You'll often hear a squeal from the wear indicator first; grinding means that warning stage has passed.
Other causes:
- A stone or debris trapped between the rotor and the dust shield (grinding even when not braking)
- Heavy rust after the car has sat for weeks
- A seized caliper or slide pin wearing one pad much faster than the other
- A worn wheel bearing (more of a growl that changes with speed or turning)
Get it checked right away if the grinding comes with a pull to one side, a vibrating pedal, or longer stopping distances.
What we do
We check all four wheels, since a grinding front can mean the rears are close too. You'll see photos of the pads and rotors, and we'll tell you whether the rotors can be resurfaced or need replacing. Brake service
From drivers who came to us
Upon tire rotation Derick let me know (by texting me photo proof) that my brake pads needed changing, my rear pads were almost non existent.
I brought my 2017 4Runner to them to have the front brake pads replaced and rotors resurfaced. They provided accurate quotes and gave multiple brand options for replacement parts.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Can I drive with grinding brakes?
Only as far as a shop, gently. Metal-on-metal braking takes longer to stop and can damage the rotor, and on some cars the caliper.
Will I need new rotors if my brakes grind?
Often, yes, because the metal plate cuts grooves into the rotor. If it's caught early, the rotor may still be above its minimum thickness and resurfaceable.
My brakes grind only after the car sat for a while. Why?
Rotors rust quickly when parked, especially near the coast. The first few stops scrape it off. If it doesn't clear up quickly, have it checked.