Grinding When Braking?
Find Out What’s Wrong

The most common cause of grinding when braking. When brake pads wear through completely the metal backing plate contacts the disc directly — causing a loud grinding or scraping noise. This damages the disc rapidly and reduces braking efficiency significantly. If grinding is present the pads have been worn through and immediate replacement of both pads and discs on that axle is required.

Deep scoring on a brake disc — from debris caught between the pad and disc, or from running worn pads — causes a grinding or grating feel under braking. The disc surface is no longer smooth so the pads cannot grip evenly. A scored disc cannot be used safely and requires replacement.

A caliper piston or slide pin that has seized applies constant braking force to one wheel. This causes grinding from continuous pad-to-disc contact even when not braking, uneven braking that pulls to one side and overheating of the brake assembly. The affected corner will be noticeably hotter than the others after driving.

A stone or piece of road debris can become lodged between the brake pad and disc — causing a persistent grinding or scraping noise that may appear suddenly. This is not always immediately dangerous but the debris will score the disc surface if not removed promptly. It can often be dislodged by firm braking at low speed.

A failing wheel bearing can produce a grinding noise that worsens under braking as load transfers to the affected wheel. Unlike brake grinding this noise is also present when not braking — a wheel bearing growl at speed that gets worse when braking confirms a bearing fault rather than a brake fault.