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Grinding noise when braking

A genuinely metallic sound under braking is worth checking soon. It is not necessarily serious, but it is one of the few symptoms where waiting can turn a pad job into a rotor job.

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  1. 1Describe the repair
  2. 2We look for garages
  3. 3Compare the offers

Common symptoms

  • The noise appears mainly when braking and stops when you release the pedal.
  • It changes when you brake harder, or happens only while turning.
  • The pedal vibrates, or the car pulls slightly to one side when braking.
  • The noise has been there for a few days, or for weeks.

You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.

What changes the price

We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.

Pads worn down to the backing plate
The most common cause: the friction material is gone and metal is running on the rotor. When that happens the rotors usually need replacing too.
A stone or debris trapped
Gravel caught between the rotor and the dust shield makes a dramatic noise for a harmless problem. It is often audible while driving, not only when braking.
A seized calliper
A calliper that does not release keeps the pad in contact. Wear goes uneven on one side and the noise turns up while the pads still looked fine.
A wheel bearing
A worn bearing can produce a metallic rumble that gets blamed on the brakes. It usually changes with road speed rather than with braking.

When an inspection is needed

Several different problems can cause this symptom. A garage will most likely need to inspect the vehicle to identify the cause — this page helps you describe what you notice, it does not replace a diagnosis.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us what your vehicle needs

    One request, a few minutes.

  2. 2

    We look for garages able to perform the work

    We contact garages in your area.

  3. 3

    Compare the offers you receive

    Price and availability, side by side.

  4. 4

    Choose the option you prefer

    You are free to walk away.

Common questions

Can I keep driving?

That depends entirely on the cause, which is exactly what this page cannot determine. A noise accompanied by reduced braking, a flashing warning light or unstable handling is a reason to have the vehicle checked without waiting.

Should I pick a specific repair in the form?

No, and it is better not to. Describe the symptom and leave the category broad: garages then see what you actually observe rather than a part you have guessed at. Asking for the wrong part is the most common way to pay for nothing.

Is the diagnosis charged for?

Usually yes: it is technician time. Some garages deduct it from the repair if they carry it out. It is one of the things worth comparing between offers.

Describe what you notice — the noise, when it happens, anything else you have spotted. We pass your description to garages in your area and you compare what they come back with.

Related pages

What we don't promise

We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.

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