Brake squeal, squeak or grinding

Brake noise is common and not always serious, but grinding is a warning. Knowing which sound you have helps the workshop find the cause quickly.

General guide in plain words. It is not a diagnosis and gives no prices: only a workshop that inspects your car can say what is wrong.

Likely causes

Worn brake pads
Many pads have a small metal tab that squeals when the pad is nearly worn out. It is meant to warn you to have the pads changed.
Glazed or hard pads and discs
Hard braking or heat can leave a glossy surface that squeals. Some pads are simply noisier than others.
Dust, moisture or missing lubrication
A light squeal that goes away after a few stops, especially after rain or in the morning, is often just moisture or dust. Missing shims or dry contact points can also cause squeaks.
Scored or worn discs
Grooves or a lip on the disc can cause noise and reduce braking performance.
Sticking caliper or slide pins
A caliper that does not release fully can cause noise, heat and uneven wear. The car may pull to one side.

What to tell the workshop

Is it a squeal, a squeak or a grinding sound?
Does it happen when braking, when you release, or all the time?
Front or rear, and one side or both.
How the pedal feels and whether the car pulls to one side.
When the pads were last changed.

Do not wait if: A deep grinding sound, a soft or long brake pedal, or the car pulling hard to one side needs attention straight away. Do not keep driving on grinding brakes.

Workshops customers mention for this

Matched from what customers mention on Google Maps, in our own words. This is not an endorsement, and a workshop has to inspect the car to confirm any cause.