If you didn’t already know, “onomatopoeia” is a term that sounds like its own name when spoken.
Some of these include the words: achoo, bang, boom, hum, or wail.
What happens when the brakes in your car develop a noticeable onomatopoeia?
Does your vehicle have squealing brakes? Here’s a brief guide on how to fix it!
Many things can cause your brakes to grind. Some more common ones include worn or subpar brake pads, a damaged rotor, or a lack of lubrication.
If you notice your brakes grinding, you should get them inspected right away. Otherwise, you increase the likelihood of an accident happening.
I have some excellent news for you. I will explain everything you need to know about grinding brakes in this guide. I will start by reviewing the numerous noises your brakes can make.
Afterward, I will cover the most prevalent reasons your brakes create terrible grinding sounds and how to fix them.
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Are Your Brakes Grinding, Squealing, Or Rattling?
If you have never experienced the stares caused by noisy brakes – then count yourself fortunate. But they don’t just provide instant fame; they’re also a hazardous risk.
Based on a survey conducted in 2015 by the NHTSA, defective brakes were responsible for 22% of the documented accidents from 2005 to 2007.
Fortunately, the sound they produce actually helps identify what the issue is.
Take clattering, for instance – like the rattling of a spray can. This often indicates a problem with your brake pads caused by thermal expansion. It is also possible that you have installed the incorrect ones on your car.
Then there’s squealing, which is another onomatopoeia and possibly the most irritating of them all.
Squealing isn’t always as terrible as it sounds. It may just be that there’s water on your rotors, which is straightforward to resolve. Though, it could also mean something more serious, like worn brake pads rubbing against a rotor.
Lastly, there’s grinding, which is the most disturbing sound to hear. Why? Because it nearly always leads to repairs being needed, many of which are costly. Thankfully, we’ll now cover the top reasons your brakes might be grinding.
The Top 6 Reasons Behind Grinding Brakes
Reason #1: Your Brake Pads Are Worn
Brake pads are made of a friction-reducing material, usually consisting of a blend of graphite, steel, copper, and brass. If you didn’t know, they’re the components that get pressed against the rotors, creating friction that slows the rotating of the wheels.
If your brake pads are worn, meaning they haven’t been replaced for 25,000 to 60,000 miles, the padding is likely almost gone. This can lead to the metal surface underneath rubbing against the rotor, which will manifest as a noisy grinding sound.
Changing your brake pads by yourself isn’t too difficult, but it does require a bit of time. If you do end up letting a professional handle it, expect to spend as much as $300 per axle.
Reason #2: A Rotor Need To Be Replaced
These are the shiny metal discs you see in between your wheel spokes. They’re the part that the calipers squeeze the brake pads against, which slows the vehicle.
Because they are near the ground, they experience considerable use, which may result in rust or warping. Luckily, they remain intact for up to 30,000 to 70,000 miles, especially if appropriate maintenance is performed.
A reliable way to do this is to use a brake cleaner once per month and give them a good scrubbing. If they do develop rusting issues, though, there’s a good chance they cause a grinding sound.
The total cost for rotor replacement is approximately $400 per axle. Fortunately, you may only need resurfacing, which ranges from $10 to $20 per rotor and will eradicate any grinding.
Reason #3: Your Brake Pads Are Low Quality
While it’s always enjoyable to save a few bucks here and there, it’s not usually a wise choice regarding brake pads. A lower price almost always means inferior quality. Meaning they might cost less at first but lead to more frequent repairs or replacements being needed.
Lower-quality brake pads also typically contain more metal, making them more prone to noise when compared to a costlier option.
What is the solution? Well, if you have already installed low-quality pads, the only genuine choice is to replace them or tolerate them. However, if the noise made is more of a squealing sound rather than a grinding, you might just need to resurface your rotors.
Reason #4: The Brake System Needs Lubricating
Imagine running a marathon without any water. Sound enjoyable? The same goes for the brakes in your car. If they don’t receive sufficient lubrication, there’s a good chance a grinding sound will eventually arise.
Typically, the fasteners of the brake caliper are responsible for keeping it secure. When they corrode, it may create a shrill noise.
Although you can substitute them on your own with an inexpensive cost, it could be simpler to let a store handle the task. Nevertheless, to avoid it becoming a problem, make sure to lubricate them every month.
Reason #5: You May Have A Faulty Wheel Bearing
Wheel bearings are what allow your wheels to spin for miles and miles without overheating. If there’s a problem with one of them, or if there’s debris inside, it can lead to a deafening grinding sound.
You might also notice a tremor coming from your car, one that escalates to a maximum point and then returns back down. It may feel similar to running over a rumble strip on the side of the road. Furthermore, another sign is if you notice uneven wear on your tires.
Thankfully, wheel bearing issues aren’t too common since they usually last between 75,000 to 100,000. Though, when it does happen, expect to spend as much as $700 for a shop to replace them.
Reason #6: Your Car Has Been In Storage
Here’s a straightforward one – lack of use. If you’ve recently started using your car after it’s been sitting for a prolonged while, there’s a substantial chance the brakes will grind.
Why?
Because if it’s been kept inadequately, it may have developed oxidation issues.
Thankfully, if you make it a habit to take your car around the block about once a month, this shouldn’t become an issue.
You can also do your part to prevent rust while the vehicle is sitting. A few ways include using a car cover, parking on top of a tarp, and removing your wheels, and wrapping the exposed rotors in clear bags.
Is It Safe To Drive With Grinding Brakes?
Your brakes are the single-most-vital safety system in your car. So, what do you think? Is it safe to drive with grinding brakes?
Grinding means that something is occurring that shouldn’t be. If you choose to ignore it, not only can the problem become worse, but so too can the danger.