My car makes a grinding noise even without applying the brakes. Please help!?

Question

My car started grinding the other day.  I avoided applying the brakes, but when I did have to, I did it as gently as I could and drove straight home.  The next day I replaced the front brake pads.  It looked like the inner pad on the passenger side just completely fell off the piece that holds it up.  I say this because the outer pad and both pads on the driver side still had about half the pad left.

Anyway, I did notice that there are some fairly deep grooves in the rotor where the pad was worn through.  I was hoping I could get away without replacing the rotors, but now it's looking like I will have to replace them.

After replacing the pads, I am hearing a slight grinding noise even without applying the brakes.  When I do apply the brakes, the noise does NOT get louder or stronger - it stays consistent.  I have only driven it down the street to test it.

I took another look at the brakes and I don't see anything wrong.  Is it possible that the spacing between the inner pad and the rotor is too small or does the car already adjust that?  How likely is it that the grinding I am hearing is because I need to replace the rotors as well?  This is what I'm thinking, but then why is it still grinding even when I am not applying the brakes?

Thanks in advance!

? · Accepted Answer

Did you bleed the brakes when you put the new pads on? That might explain why  they are touching the rotors and making the sound (if they are touching). It could also be that the rotors need to be resurfaced. You can do this one time before you have to buy new ones. It is cheaper than buying new ones. They basically cut off the top, bad layer, to create a new smooth, clean face which the brake pads can make clean contact with, minus the noise and screeching. Either of these could explain your problem. It would be best to go to Autozone and ask them about it if you want more information. Also, for future reference. A one-man bleeder for the brakes is like 8 to 12 dollars at the auto parts store. If you don't have a second person with you while you are replacing the pads, you MUST have one if you are changing them out.

jay · Answer

Change the rotors out to be safe and make sure the calipers are functioning correctly, when drive too long on worn pads the pistons will be extended out too far and get dirty and wont go back to normal operating position.

Littlebear · Answer

does the noise increase or decrease when you turn left or right???
you may have a wheel bearing going out!!!!
minor grives on your rotor will not hurt your breaking,,,
except to cut into the pads quicker,,,
next pad replacement plan on replacing rotors also,,,,

Good luck,,,,,,,,,,,,,

ken k · Answer

bad caliper/could be both but replace the front 2 and the discs

Trending News

My car makes a grinding noise even without applying the brakes. Please help!?

4 Answers