Do you hear a high-pitched grinding sound whenever you press down the pedal? It indicates a fault with your brakes, and you sure do not want to be caught with bad brakes while accelerating on the highway. Unfortunately, changing your brakes is not always the solution to the noise.
Ignoring minor noise can lead to more expensive repairs and even brake failure.
To effectively handle such issues and guarantee the durability of your vehicle’s braking system, seeking guidance from experts is crucial. For Boise locals in need of reliable auto repair services, trust the reputable Auto repair shop boise. With a team of skilled professionals committed to delivering exceptional solutions for all automotive requirements, this esteemed establishment is the go-to choice.
Continue reading to know how to stop your new brakes grinding.
Table of Contents
Reasons Behind Grinding Brakes
A grinding brake is an annoying and a good sign that your brake is faulty or about to go wrong. However, no mechanical part of a car lasts forever, so it is for a brake. Below are some of the reasons behind grinding brakes.
Worn-out rotor discs
When the rotor discs are not flat, it creates some scraping sounds and a lot of vibrations in the braking system.
Solid lodged between caliper and rotor
The caliper and rotor components can attract dirt, dust, and grim. However, it can become a big problem when this dirt forms a solid lodge between the caliper and rotor. This makes the brakes make an unpleasant grinding noise.
Worn-out brake pads
Another cause for grinding brakes is worn-out brake pads, this makes the plates lose their materials, and due to friction, the metal creates a squeaking noise.
Broken Shims
A worn-out shim contacts the rotor and generates grinding noise when braking. Ensure you inspect your shim and replace it whenever you visit your mechanic.
Brake pad quality
Poor quality brake pads are common today because many people want to minimize costs. Such brake pads have metal chunks that rub against the rotor surface and lead to severe damage or grinding noise.
Seasonal use of the car
On average, brake pads last as long as 20,000 miles; however, when you leave your car in the garage for a long time, it can lose its lubrication and cause a grinding noise. Bad weather can also lead to rust and affect other car mechanical parts.
The brake pad is not lubricated.
Using brake pad lubes, brake pads should be adequately lubricated, especially when installing new ones. Lubrication reduces friction between the pads and the caliper, reducing grinding noises. In addition, the caliper slider pins should not be left out while lubricating the brake pads.
Wheel bearing broken down
Grinding noises from your wheels may be caused by bad wheel bearing. You may need to change your wheel bearings to get rid of those sounds.
How do I stop my new brakes from grinding?
Common ways to stop new brakes from grinding are:
Applying Grease To The Brake Pads
Proper lubrication remains the go-to way to stop your new brakes from making those squeaky sounds. Sometimes, the grinding noise is due to poor lubrication, so re-lubricating the calipers and all contact points could fix the noise for you.
The brake pad backside and caliper carrier contact points are other locations to look at. Remember that the brake pad and rotor surface should be free from grease and oils to function effectively.
Installing Shims
Another method to stop new brakes from grinding is by installing shims. Some vehicles already have brake pad shims installed; however, if yours does not have, you can install shim at the backside of the pads. Shims fill up the space that causes the brake pad to slack, and the rubber attachment deals with the vibrations that come along.
Remove The Brake Dust
Brake dust and grim can lead to grinding noise, hence the need to clean them up once in a while. Also, brake dust can corrode the coatings on your rim, so you should deal with it. In addition, note that brake dust is not synonymous with failing brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Drive With Grinding Brakes
Grinding brakes means something is happening to your brakes that should not be. Driving and ignoring your grinding brake could lead to more significant hazards beyond costly repairs. Since your brake is part of the most critical safety system, it is not safe to drive when they are not in good shape.
How long can I drive with my brakes grinding?
It is not advisable to drive with grinding brakes; though some people can get away with it, it is unsafe to engage in such risky activity. It is best to avoid grinding brakes than risk your life trying them out.
Though the car can move for some time, this is to buy you time to get to the mechanic, not for continuous usage. Buy new sets of brake pads once you notice the old one making odd sounds, or get it down for inspection and replace the recommended parts.
Is It Normal For Brakes To Make Noise After Replacing Them?
Replacing your brakes does not mean you will hear no noise. While replacing, the rotors need to be measured, machined, replaced, or removed. This makes the surface flat and completely smooth. However, if your mechanic forgets to remove the glaze or smoothen it out, your cold brakes can generate an unpleasant high-pitched squeaky noise.
How Long Does It Take For New Brakes To Stop Squeaking?
If properly installed and lubricated, your new brakes should not make a squeaky sound, especially with continuous usage over time. However, such sound can still be heard when your brakes are cold or have metals in them. Check our session on the reasons behind grinding brakes. After driving for about five seconds, the squeaky sound goes off. However, this is only possible if you have a healthy brake system.
Wrapping Up
This article has considered why new brakes grind while driving and how to stop it. We also looked at how long it takes for your new brakes to stop squeaking, how long you can drive new brakes grinding, and if it is safe to drive in such conditions. So do not endanger your life any longer; fix your bad brakes today.
