Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

You’re driving one afternoon around Hoover, and you suddenly hear a metallic sound coming from your vehicle. You immediately wonder, “Why are my brakes grinding, and how to make them stop?” Whether it’s your brakes grinding when stopping or your brakes making grinding noises, this means you have some issues that need attention. 

While it’s tempting to wait until your next brake repair, remember that the National Highway Safety Administration has found that faulty brakes have caused up to 25% of all American road accidents. In the following guide, Brady Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram explores the reasons you might hear brakes grinding and what to do when it occurs. 

Brakes Grinding When Stopping

Before asking, “Why are my brakes grinding?” let’s ask another important question: “When are you hearing brakes grinding?” If you notice your brakes grinding when stopping, it could be one of several reasons: 

• If you hear brakes grinding while slowing down or stopping, your brake pads are probably the reason. Over time, brake pads will lose their thickness and start to make squealing noises — known as “brake scrubbing.” As the pads wear down further, you’ll hear a grinding sound. 
• For those who hear a sharper grinding noise, it could be the sound of your brake disc and calipers. This can also cause a rumble in your pedal. If this occurs, you may require a brake pad replacement, alongside a disc or rotor replacement. 
• If you hear brakes grinding when stopping at full force, it can be your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Your ABS will activate when you apply the full brakes and it might cause pedal vibrations. 

Brakes Grinding When Driving

If brakes making grinding noises are a common occurrence as your drive in Tuscaloosa, it might be debris or rocks bouncing off your rotor and caliper. This is an easy service to accomplish, but it’s important to get this resolved before the damage becomes permanent. 

You can try this yourself, but most Birmingham drivers prefer to leave the job to our service department. You should also schedule an inspection while you’re at our Bessemer service center to resolve any other issues. 

Schedule Your Service with Brady Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

If you notice your brakes making grinding noises, come down to Brady Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Beyond our service department, you can also answer many automotive questions with our service tips and tricks section. You can also order parts for your CDJR vehicle online to replace any worn-out ones or customize your model!