Symptoms
- Loud grinding or growling noise when pressing the brake pedal
- Noise may be constant while driving even without braking
- Reduced braking feel or longer stopping distance
Likely causes
- CommonBrake pads worn down to the metal backing plateOnce the friction material is gone, metal rubs directly on the rotor.
- PossibleDebris (a rock or piece of metal) stuck between pad and rotorCan cause a similar grinding sound without full pad wear.
- PossibleSeverely damaged or warped rotorCan happen alongside worn pads or from a separate issue.
- Less commonRear drum brake shoes worn through (on cars with rear drums)Less common, but drum brakes can also wear down and grind.
What to do
- Stop driving the car as soon as it's safely possible; grinding brakes mean reduced stopping power.
- Check if the grinding happens only when braking or continuously while driving, which suggests debris.
- Look through the wheel spokes for visible metal-on-metal contact or very thin pads.
- Do not continue driving normally if pads are worn through, since it damages rotors quickly and reduces safety.
- Have the car towed or driven very cautiously and briefly to a shop rather than used for regular trips.
- Have pads and likely rotors replaced together, since grinding usually damages the rotor surface.
- Ask the shop to inspect calipers too, since worn-through pads can sometimes mean a stuck caliper caused uneven wear.
Tools and parts
Brake padsSearch: “brake pads for your car make and model”
Brake rotorsSearch: “brake rotors for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic promptly; delaying pad and rotor replacement when grinding starts increases both cost and risk.
Safety
Use caution
Grinding brakes mean significantly reduced stopping power; avoid highway driving and get the car inspected or repaired as soon as possible.