Brake Noise Diagnosis Guide

Key Facts

Grinding noise = URGENT - metal-on-metal contact, pads completely worn
Squealing when braking = worn pads (squealer tab warning) or glazed pads
Squealing when NOT braking = normal from some brake pad types
Groaning/moaning = glazed pads or moisture (usually harmless)
Scraping sound = stone/debris stuck, or severely worn pads
Grinding when turning = wheel bearing, not brakes
Any brake noise needs inspection - safety-critical system

Brake Sound Guide

Grinding When Braking

URGENT - Your brake pads are completely worn down to metal backing plates grinding against rotors. You are damaging expensive rotors and have compromised braking safety.

Schedule immediate service at our brake service. Do not delay - rotor damage increases repair cost significantly.

High-Pitched Squealing When Braking

Most common cause: Brake pads have a small metal tab (squealer) that contacts the rotor when pads are worn to replacement level. This is an intentional warning system.

Other causes: Glazed brake pads (from overheating), moisture on rotors (temporary), or brake dust. Persistent squealing needs inspection. Pads should be measured.

Squealing When NOT Braking

Often normal, especially with certain brake pad materials. Semi-metallic pads can squeal lightly while driving. If it stops when you apply brakes, usually not a concern.

If squealing is loud, constant, or getting worse, get inspection to rule out stuck calipers or dragging brakes.

Groaning or Moaning

Usually caused by glazed pads (shiny, hardened surface from heat), moisture, or pad material characteristics. Often harmless but annoying.

If accompanied by reduced braking performance or vibration, needs immediate inspection.

When to Get Immediate Service

Any grinding noise when braking
Brake noise with vibration or pulsating pedal
Brake noise with warning light illuminated
Brake noise with reduced stopping power
Brake noise with pulling to one side
Any noise that started suddenly and is getting worse
Scraping or dragging sound continuously while driving

Can You Keep Driving?

Light squealing from wear indicators: Yes, but schedule service soon (days, not weeks). Pads are at replacement level.

Grinding noise: Drive only to immediate service, avoiding highways and hard braking. You are damaging rotors with every brake application.

Groaning/moaning without other symptoms: Usually safe to drive, but get inspection to rule out problems. May just need pad replacement or resurfacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do my brakes squeal only in the morning?

Moisture on rotors overnight causes temporary squealing that disappears after a few brake applications. This is normal. If squealing persists all day, it's a different issue needing inspection.

2. Can I just ignore squealing?

No. Squealing is often a warning that pads need replacement. Ignoring it leads to grinding (expensive rotor damage). Schedule inspection to measure pad thickness.

3. How much does brake repair cost?

Pad replacement: TODO. Pad and rotor replacement: TODO. Varies by vehicle. Delaying repair increases cost as worn pads damage rotors. See brake service.

4. Will new brakes squeal?

Sometimes yes, during break-in period (first 200-300 km). Persistent squealing after break-in indicates installation issue or pad bedding problem - return for inspection.

5. What if only one wheel makes noise?

Indicates uneven wear or a seized caliper on that wheel. Needs immediate inspection as braking performance is compromised and you may have pulling when braking.

6. Could it be something other than brakes?

Yes - grinding when turning (not braking) is often a wheel bearing. Constant scraping might be a stuck stone. We inspect to determine the exact source.

7. How often should brakes be inspected?

At every service (oil change). We measure pad thickness and rotor condition at no charge during routine service. This catches problems before they become emergencies.

8. Do I need new rotors or just pads?

Depends on rotor thickness and condition. If grinding occurred, rotors likely need replacement. If you caught it early with squealing, pads alone may suffice. We measure rotors and advise.

9. Why do brakes squeal after rain?

Moisture on rotors creates temporary squealing, normal and harmless. Should disappear after a few brake applications. If it doesn't, schedule inspection.

10. Are noisy brakes dangerous?

Squealing from worn pads means reduced braking effectiveness - safety concern. Grinding means severe wear and safety risk. Temporary moisture squealing is not dangerous. Get inspection to determine cause.

Related Pages

Last updated: 9 January 2026