Grinding noise from the brakes is common in cars nowadays, and people tend to leave it be. It would help if you did not do that. It would be best if you found out the cause of the problem, got an estimate to fix it, and have it fixed.
Before going ahead to fix or replace damaged parts, you should find out how much does it cost to fix grinding brakes? Doing this will put you on the right path to getting the exact thing you want for your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Grinding Brakes
While you notice vehicle’s brakes making grinding noise, you need to fix it immediately. To do so, you must estimate what it will cost to fix brakes. Fixing grinding brakes can cost you between $200 and $300. The Brake fix cost can vary because there are numerous causes for the brake to develop a grinding sound.
If you want to get the brake pad on your vehicle replaced, it will cost you from $50 to $200. The cost exempts labor. If you have a professional replace the brakes, it will cost an extra $100 or more.
If the brake is due to other failing parts, it will cost between $200 to $800, depending on what part you will fix or replace. Now you knowhow much it takes to fix brakes, you can have them fixed.
Factors Affecting Brake Grinding Repair cost
The cost of fixing grinding brakes is influenced by a myriad of factors that both vehicle owners and experts consider to determine the most effective solution. Firstly, the severity of the damage to brake components dictates the repair’s complexity and, consequently, the cost. The type of vehicle plays a significant role, as certain models may require specialized brake parts or expertise, affecting the repair estimate. The choice between OEM and aftermarket parts can also impact the fix cost, with OEM parts typically being more expensive but preferred for their quality and compatibility.
Labor rates vary widely, influenced by the location and the expertise of the servicing facility. Specialists or certified dealerships might charge more for their advanced knowledge in handling braking issues. Additionally, the presence of brake dust can be a sign of wear, potentially increasing the cost if it indicates more extensive damage. Understanding these elements is crucial in seeking a comprehensive and cost-effective answer to brake repairs.
7 Causes of Grinding Brakes
When your brakes make grinding noise, it is a sign that something is wrong with a part of the brake. You may have a question, why are my brakes grinding?
Below are the causes of a grinding sound in the brakes.
1. Faulty rotor
The brake rotor is the disc-like object seen in the wheels after removing the tires. They play a significant role in making sure that the brake functions as it should. When the brake is applied, the caliper squeezes the brake pad against the rotor to stop the vehicle.
When you hear squeaky sounds from the wheel, it shows that there might be a problem with the rotor. If the rotor is worn out, it will make a lot of unpleasant sounds.
2. Worn-out brake
A worn-out brake pad is a significant cause of grinding sounds from the brake. The usable part of the brake pad is made from metal, copper, brass, and graphite. The combination of these materials is what will be pressed against the rotor.
After the brake mixture has worn out, you get to the metal back plating. This part of the brake pad is metal and very hard. When pressed against the rotor, it causes creates a grinding sound, which could be coupled with a squeaking noise.
In addition, you must know that using a worn-out brake pad will damage the brake rotor. When it does, it means more cost in repairs for you.
3. Bad wheel bearing
A wheel bearing is the part of the wheel that allows for continuous spinning without heat or friction building up. When some of the bearings are out of place, dirt and debris will enter the parts, causing the grinding noise you hear.
A faulty bearing also comes with vibration in the wheel, which could be intense and sometimes drop in intensity. Also, it comes with uneven tire wear because the movement of the wheels will be affected.
4. Dirt or debris in calipers
Another cause of the brake’s grinding noise could be debris and dirt getting into the brake caliper. Due to the location of the caliper, it is easy for dirt to get into it. When small objects like stones or rocks are in there, it obstructs the movement of the caliper and affects the brake pad to become loose.
Also, small objects in the caliper could damage the brake rotor, brake pad, and even the caliper itself. Try and get the object out as soon as you notice the problem.
5. Excess heat and friction in brake parts
The brake system generally consists of moving parts that could build up heat and friction and even get corroded due to external elements like water. Due to this, the parts could develop grinding sounds.
The brake parts require periodic lubrication to allow for unrestricted movement when being used. You must lubricate parts like the caliper bolts and the rotor center hole.
6. Low-quality brake pads
Lower-quality brakes are known for their lower price, but they are not always the best choice for your vehicle. They often come with a grinding or screeching sound and can damage your brake parts. Also, cheap brakes have a higher amount of metal when compared to higher-quality brake pads. The high metal component is what is responsible for the grinding sound in the brakes.
7. Rusting brake parts
Rusted brake parts may arise when you have not driven your vehicle in a long time. Water and other elements may accumulate in the brake parts and cause them to rust. It has a disturbing grinding sound when you eventually decide to drive your vehicle.
How Long Can You Drive On Grinding Brakes?
How long you can drive with brakes grinding when driving depends on the cause of the noise. Generally, you should drive at most 1,500 miles with brakes grinding. Try and diagnose the cause of the noise and have it fixed immediately.
How to Solve Brakes Grinding
If your vehicle is experiencing grinding noise in the wheel, it is most likely related to brake issues. You first have to diagnose the problem properly; this way, you can adequately solve the problem with your wheel. The cause of the problem will help you to find the right solution rather than doing guesswork.
To start the diagnosis process, you must remove the tire of the affected part. To do this, loosen the lug nut and lift the vehicle to unmount the tire. After doing this, you can now properly observe the wheel for the cause of the problem.
Below are ways to solve a brake grinding issue:
1. Change the brake pad
If the source of the grinding noise is a worn-out brake pad, you have to get the brake changed.
2. Change the brake rotor
If the noise is from the brake rotor, it could signify that your vehicle needs a new brake rotor. You cannot use one brake rotor for a long time; you need to change them at a specific time. If you use the rotor beyond the expected limited period.
If this is the case, you must get the rotor change as soon as possible. A bad rotor could cause damage to other parts of the wheel and hasten the wear in the brake pad.
3. Clean the brake caliper
It is easy for dirt and other foreign objects to get into the brake caliper. It is why you need to have it checked and cleaned regularly. Ensure that all foreign objects like stones are removed.
4. Change the bearing
A bad wheel bearing can cause a loud grinding noise. It also comes with many other symptoms that can ruin your vehicle’s driving quality. Ensure to check the wheel bearing and change the ones that have been damaged.
5. Lubricate the wheel
Many people do not lubricate their wheels often, which is why it gives out the grinding sound. It would be best if you lubricated your brakes. You can use brake grease and anti-seize for brakes. Ensure that you use these lubricants properly on the wheel to avoid damaging its parts.
Conclusion
Finding how to fix grinding brakes and the cost to do so can be tricky. It would help if you had the right guide to put you on the right path. To find out how to fix a grinding sound, you must first know where the sound is coming from. It could be from the back brakes grinding or the front ones. After doing this, get the cause of the problem and draw out how much does it cost to fix grinding brakes.