Brake Sounds Unveiled: What's Causing Your Noisy and Grinding Brakes?
Understanding Brake Grinding and Noise
Brake grinding and noise can be more than just an embarrassment; they indicate potential safety issues that require attention. Brake systems should operate quietly and efficiently, but when various components experience problems, noise can occur. Given the critical role of brakes in driving safety, diagnosing and addressing brake grinding and noticeable noise is crucial.
Brake Pad Quality and Impact
Choosing low-quality brake pads solely to save money can have detrimental effects, including the need for frequent replacements and expensive repairs. Inferior pads with a higher metal content tend to generate increased noise, vibrations, and excessive heat. Moreover, they wear out more rapidly, produce a greater amount of brake dust, and can potentially harm other components within the brake and wheel-end systems. To mitigate these issues, it is advisable to invest in higher-quality brake pads that offer superior durability, reduced wear, and long-term cost savings. We recommend exploring our selection of AmeriPLATINUM brake pads available on our website.
Replacing Brake Rotors
Brake rotors, the discs that come into contact with the brake pads, naturally wear down over time. Typically made of cast iron or alloys, they have an average lifespan of 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, certain factors can lead to premature or uneven rotor wear, resulting in unpleasant noise, grinding, or vibrations. It's important to note that the commonly used term "warped rotors" is not entirely accurate, as modern rotors don't actually warp. Instead, variations in rotor thickness caused by runout, which can be triggered by rust, debris, bent hubs, bad wheel bearings, or other components exceeding acceptable tolerances, are responsible for the noise and vibrations. By evaluating runout using a dial indicator and addressing the issue through cleaning, shimming, or on-car resurfacing, the problem can be rectified. Resurfacing or replacing the rotors ensures a flat surface for the brake pads to make contact with, effectively eliminating grinding, vibrations, or noise. If the rotors are below the recommended thickness, it is necessary to replace them instead of resurfacing. If you find yourself in need of new brake rotors and drums, consider exploring our wide range of offerings. Our AmeriBRAKES line includes high-quality rotors and drums, such as AmeriPRO Coated Rotors, AmeriPLATINUM PREMIUM Rotors, and AmeriPRO Drums.
Rusted Brake Rotors
Long periods of vehicle storage can be detrimental to various systems, including brakes. Rust commonly develops on brake parts, particularly the rotors, when the vehicle is exposed to the elements. Rust buildup on the rotors results in grinding and scraping noises during braking. It may also hinder even pressure application from the calipers or prevent complete contact between the brake pads and rotors, potentially compromising braking performance. Although rusted rotors may be "cleaned" by the brake pads initially, this is not always the case. If the vehicle has been stationary for over a month, it is advisable to inspect the brakes for any rust that could impede proper brake operation.
Causes of Brake Grinding and Noise
Brake systems use hydraulic pressure to engage brake pads against rotors, slowing down the vehicle. Modern brake pads utilize friction-reducing materials to minimize heat and extend pad life while maintaining quiet operation. However, due to the inherent friction involved in braking, several factors can lead to brake noise or grinding.
Debris Lodged Between Brake Pad and Rotor
Whether driving on pavement or dirt roads, debris on the road can become lodged between the brake pad and rotor. This debris, such as rocks, wood pieces, nails, screws, or other items, can cause symptoms like noise, grinding, and vibrations. While some debris may dislodge itself when the vehicle slows or stops, in other cases, manual disassembly of the affected wheel's brakes may be necessary for removal. Failing to remove debris promptly can lead to damage to the brake pads, rotor, and impaired brake engagement. This can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking. Swiftly addressing debris in the braking system is crucial.
The Role of Wheel Bearings
Although not directly part of the braking system, wheel bearings play a crucial role in the rotation of both the wheel and brake rotor. Worn-out wheel bearings, low or contaminated grease, or debris accumulation can result in vibrations or grinding noises. While these symptoms may resemble warped rotors or damaged brake pads, wheel bearing issues often occur during acceleration or at specific speeds. If the vibrations or noises are originating from the wheel bearings, greasing or replacement may be necessary. Inspection of the bearings and braking system helps determine their contribution to the noise, and checking for play in the wheel bearings is an effective way to detect early signs of failure.
Driving with the Parking Brake Engaged
Driving with the parking brake engaged may lead to brake grinding and noise, as well as noticeable effects on vehicle acceleration and deceleration. It is important to note that prolonged driving with the parking brake engaged can cause overheating in the brakes and wheel-end, resulting in excessive wear or damage to these components. To prevent such wear, simply check and disengage the parking brake before driving.
Worn Brake Pads and Hardware
Worn-out brake pads are the primary cause of brake grinding and noise. Many pads feature a wear indicator that produces noise when the friction material reaches a specific point, signaling the need for replacement. If no wear indicator is present, noise may only emerge when the pad's friction material is completely worn, resulting in metal-on-metal grinding and potential vibrations in the brake pedal. Regular brake inspections alongside routine maintenance and tire checks can help determine when to replace brake pads and prevent damage caused by worn or damaged pads.
Over time, brake hardware can also wear out or corrode. Thin metal clips holding the brake pads in place may rust, corrode, or wear due to pad vibrations and environmental conditions. As hardware deteriorates, it can cause squeaky brakes and slightly loosen the brake pads. When changing brake pads, it is recommended to replace the old hardware with new pieces to securely hold the pads and reduce vibrations that contribute to brake noise. When purchasing AmeriPLATINUM brake pads, you can expect them to come with new hardware included.
Addressing Brake Caliper Issues
One potential cause of brake problems is corrosion leading to seized or sticking brake calipers. When a caliper sticks, it can result in your vehicle pulling to one side when braking. This occurs when the caliper piston becomes locked, preventing proper movement. As a result, the brake pads may not fully engage with the rotor, causing uneven contact, accelerated pad wear, pulling, and wheel drag. It is crucial to address a seized brake caliper promptly. Regular brake maintenance, including lubrication and inspection of the piston and seal, helps ensure smooth caliper operation. Damaged parts or torn/leaking seals require caliper replacement.
Importance of Brake Grease & Lubrication
To maintain smooth operation, lubrication is essential in the brake system's moving parts. Brake caliper bolts or guide pins, responsible for securing the caliper and allowing free sliding, are particularly prone to requiring lubrication. When the lubricant on these bolts dries out, excess vibrations and noise can occur during caliper actuation, leading to binding. Lubricating the caliper bolts with brake caliper grease is recommended whenever brake pads are changed. If pitting is present on the bolts or pins' smooth surface, they should be replaced instead of reused. Reusing pitted caliper guide pins or neglecting proper lubrication can cause uneven brake pad and rotor wear, premature failure, or caliper sticking.
Driving with Noisy Brakes
While brake noise or grinding sounds can be bothersome, they also indicate a potential safety issue. It is advisable to minimize driving when brakes are making noise until they can be inspected or repaired by a professional.
We hope this information has enhanced your understanding of the causes of brake noise and grinding. To find the necessary parts for your vehicle repair, we invite you to browse our wide selection of brake components on our website, Undercar Experts. We recommend exploring the AmeriBRAKES line, which offers various classes of brake pads including AmeriSTAR, AmeriPRO, AmeriPLATINUM, and AmeriPLATINUM Sever Duty, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.