How Long Can You Drive On Grinding Brakes?
It’s a question that’s been on everyone’s mind at some point or another – how long can you drive on grinding brakes before they give out?
We will take a look at the answer in detail.
Let’s get started.
How Long Can You Drive On Grinding Brakes?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem.
On the one hand, it depends on how frequently you use your brakes and how hard you press them.
If you’re an aggressive driver who likes to brake late and hard, then your brakes will definitely wear out faster than someone who drives more conservatively.
Also, it also depends on the type of brakes you have.
If you have drum brakes, they will generally last longer than disc brakes.
This is because disc brakes tend to heat up more quickly and can warp if they get too hot.
Drum brakes, on the other hand, are less prone to warping and can handle more heat.
7 Factors That Cause Brake Grinding
There are a few factors that can cause your brakes to grind.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Worn Brake Pads
This is the most common reason for brake grinding.
When your brake pads wear down, they get thinner and thinner until they’re eventually completely worn out.
At this point, you’ll start to hear grinding noise when you brake.
If you let your brake pads wear down all the way, you’ll eventually start to damage your rotors.
Once your rotors are damaged, they can’t be fixed and you’ll have to replace them.
This is a much more expensive repair than simply replacing your brake pads and it is commonly caused because of inappropriate washing.
2. Loose Brake Caliper
Another common cause of brake grinding is a loose brake caliper.
The caliper is the part of your brakes that holds the pads in place.
If it becomes loose, it can start to grind against your rotors.
The issue can also cause vibration in your car when you drive it at high speeds.
This usually happens because the caliper bolts have come loose.
You can usually fix this problem by tightening the bolts.
If they’re too far gone, you’ll need to replace the caliper.
A loose brake caliper can also cause your brakes to pull to one side when you apply them.
This is because the pads aren’t sitting evenly on the rotors any more.
3. Worn Rotors
As we mentioned before, worn rotors can cause grinding noise when you brake.
This is because the pads are no longer able to grip the rotor properly.
If your rotors are severely worn, they may need to be replaced.
However, sometimes you can get away with just resurfacing them.
This involves sanding down the surface of the rotor so that it’s smooth again.
Resurfacing your rotors is a lot cheaper than replacing them, but it doesn’t always work.
If your rotors are too damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
5. Foreign Objects
Sometimes, you may hear grinding noise even though there’s nothing wrong with your brakes.
This is usually because there’s a foreign object caught between the pad and rotor.
The most common type of foreign object is a piece of metal.
Sometimes, small pieces of metal can break off from the pads or rotors and get stuck in between.
This will cause a grinding noise when you brake.
You can usually remove the foreign object by taking your wheels off and inspecting the brakes.
If you can’t find it, you may need to take your car to a mechanic.
6. Glazed Pads
Glazed pads are another common cause of brake grinding.
This happens when your pads get too hot and the material starts to break down.
When this happens, the pads can become hard and shiny.
They may also start to smoke when you brake.
If your pads are glazed, you’ll need to replace them.
This problem is most common in racing applications.
If you’re not a racer, you probably won’t have to worry about glazed pads.
7. Improper Installation
Brake grinding can also be caused by improper installation.
This is most common when you have aftermarket brakes.
If your brakes weren’t installed properly, they may not be sitting evenly on the rotors.
This will cause them to grind and wear out quickly.
You should always have a professional install your brakes for you.
This way, you can be sure that they’re installed correctly and won’t cause any problems.
When You Should Hire A Professional To Look At The Matter?
If you’re hearing brake grinding, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
If you let the problem go, it will only get worse and could eventually lead to expensive repairs.
Another major reason why you should immediately contact a mechanic is when the car is shaking at higher speeds.
This also happens when your car brakes are grinding.
A professional can inspect your brakes and diagnose the problem.
They’ll be able to tell you what needs to be done to fix it.
In most cases, they’ll be able to do the repairs for you as well.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Grinding Brakes?
The cost of fixing grinding brakes will depend on the cause of the problem.
If you need to replace your pads or rotors, you can expect to pay around $200-$300.
If you need to replace your calipers, you’ll be looking at a bill for around $500.
And if you need to replace your entire brake system, you’re looking at a bill for around $1000.
Of course, these are just rough estimates.
The actual cost will depend on the make and model of your car.
It’s always best to get a few different quotes before having any work done.
This way, you can be sure you’re getting the best price possible.
How Do I Know If Anything Is Wrong With The Braking System?
If you’re hearing brake grinding, it’s a good idea to have your brakes checked out as soon as possible.
However, there are some other signs that you may be having problems with your brakes.
If your car is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes, this could be a sign of uneven wear.
If your pedal feels soft or spongy, this could be a sign of air in the line.
And if your brake light is on, this could be a sign of low fluid or a faulty sensor.
Keep an eye out for these signs and have your brakes checked out as soon as possible if you notice any of them.
Why Does My Car Produces Grinding Sound Even After Repairing?
There are a few reasons why your car may still be making a grinding noise after you’ve had the brakes repaired.
One possibility is that the new pads aren’t bedding in properly.
This can happen if they weren’t installed correctly or if they’re not the right type of pad for your car.
Another possibility is that there’s still something caught in between the pads and rotors.
This can happen if the mechanic didn’t clean them properly before installing the new pads.
If your car is still making a grinding noise after you’ve had the brakes repaired, take it back to the mechanic and have them take a look.
They should be able to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Conclusion
Brake grinding is a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
If you let the problem go, it will only get worse and could eventually lead to expensive repairs.
If you’re hearing brake grinding, have your brakes checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and tell you what needs to be done to fix it.
