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1. What does it mean when my brakes sound like they are grinding
   

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   Asked by BruzerMP
   Answered 16 years ago.

14 Answers

1. 
   Your brake pads have worn down to the extent that they are "metal to metal" with your brake rotors. More than likely you will need to replace both the brake pads and brake rotors. There is also potential damage that can arise with the brake calipers which houses the brake pads.
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   Answered by Norman Automotive Inc 3800 Classes Blvd, Norman, OK, 73071, 405-447-1919 (Novice with 13 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

2. 
   As soon as you hear grinding noises coming from your brakes, you should drive to a trusted auto repair facility. Expect to spend more if your rotors have been damaged. In the future bring your vehicle in for free brake inspections. Many shops offer free inspections and getting them will save you money in the long run!
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   Answered by Tire World 5044 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne, TN, 37086, 615-793-8473 (Novice with 20 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

3. 
   There could be a few reasons why the brakes sound like they are grinding. If the pads are new and made of cheap material then they can be inclined to sound like they are grinding. If the pads have been on the car for a while and are now grinding, it could be the metal warning tabs built into most brake pads telling you that the pads are low and in need of immediate attention. If the second is the case and you do not replace the pads in a timely fashion, the you could cause more seious damage to the braking system and the price to repair the brakes could be as much as three time the cost it would be to replace just the pads now. As always, it is best to take the car to your local shop and have the brakes checked to ensure proper wear and performance.
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   Answered by Nevada Mobile Automotive & Truck Repair & Service 2540 Sutro Street, Ste 12, Reno, NV, 89512, 775-200-4669 (Novice with 120 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

4. 
   There are a couple things that could make that sound. Either you need new brake pads because they are grinding against rotors and possibly need you rotors resurfaced or replaced, or your pads aren't seating correctly or are made of cheap materials and can make a grinding sound even when there is still lining left on the brake pad. Take it to your shop and have them inspected.
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   Answered by Alignment Guys /B N H Frame and Suspension 64 W 50 S, American Fork, UT, 84003, 801-492-4143 (Novice with 4 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

5. 
   I agree with Norman Automotive Inc and want to add that if the brakes sound like they are grinding sometimes, where most of the time there is no noise, then it could be that the pads are squeaking at a very low frequency, and sound like grinding.
   
   This is much less common, and can happen as little as once a year.
   
   If your brakes sound like grinding every time you use them, then it's metal to metal and need immediate attention.
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   Answered by Bill's Foreign Automotive 5190 Quayle Ln, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, 707-823-1985 (Novice with 54 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

6. 
   USUALLY IT MEANS YOU WAITED TOO LONG TO REPLACE YOUR BRAKE PADS.NOW YOU MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE TO BUY NEW BRAKE ROTORS.THE GRINDING NOISE IS METAL TO METAL.(BRAKE ROTOR AND DISC PAD W/NO CERAMIC LEFT)USUALLY YOU WILL WANT TO GET A GOOD BRAND LIKE DURALST GOLDS FROM AUTOZONE OR THERMOQUIETS FROM OREILLYS.STAY AWAYF ROM THE CHEAP PADS.YOU WILL HEAR A NOISE AGAIN IN ABOUT 3 MTHS IF YOU USE THESE.MOST SHOPS LIKE OURS OFFER FREE BRAKE INSPECTIONS SO LOOK AROUND!-PRECISIONAUTOMASTERS
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   Answered by precisionautomasters (Novice with 106 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

7. 
   Your brake pads are worn out down to the metal. Once they are metal to metal with the rotors you will need to replace both the brake shoes and rotors. You car will then brake safely once again.
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   Answered by TransKing Auto Center, LLC 139 S Lincoln Dr, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-9700 (Novice with 7 pts.)

   Answered 15 years ago.

8. 
   It means you must have your brakes inspected ASAP. If you brake pads/shoes are worn out beyond their service life, they will definitely score you disc and/or drums.
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   Answered by Fords Feathers 1532 W Carson St, Torrance, CA, 90501, 310-212-5903 (Novice with 218 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

9. 
   Most likely you are metal to metal and in need of new brakes or you have extremely hard pads that will make a grinding sound at times.
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   Answered by Wades Discount Muffler, Brakes & Catalytic Converters 1722 N. Banning, St. Ste. 103, Mesa, AZ, 85205, 480-854-0988 (Novice with 41 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

10. 
    It means you should get it to a professional as soon as possible NOT as soon as convienient !
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    Answered by Gulfport Garage, Inc 2731 Beach Blvd S., Saint Petersburg, FL, 33707, 727-914-5964 (Novice with 1 pts.)

    Answered 16 years ago.