Grinding Brakes
A harsh metal-on-metal grinding sound when you brake almost always means the brake pads are gone and the backing plate is scoring the rotor.
Should you keep driving?
Grinding means reduced stopping power and rotor damage that gets more expensive by the day. Get it fixed right away.
Common causes
Worn-out brake padsThe most common cause — the friction material is gone, leaving bare metal.
Damaged rotorOnce metal grinds the rotor, it usually needs to be replaced, not just resurfaced.
Debris in the brakesA stone or rust flake can grind temporarily, but do not assume that is it.
Failed caliper hardwareA stuck or missing clip can let parts contact the rotor.
Not sure which one it is?
Describe what your car is doing and our free AI diagnostic will help narrow it down — then connect you with a vetted local mechanic if you need one.