Are Your Brakes Still Grinding After Having The Pads Replaced? Find Out Why
If your brakes are grinding, odds are, the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. But if you have recently replaced your brake pads and you begin to hear a grinding sound when you hit your brakes, you may be confused and wonder what is going on. Here are three reasons why your brakes may be grinding after having the pads replaced:
The Pads Need to Be Bedded In
When you get new shoes, those new shoes are often stiff and a bit uncomfortable on your feet until you wear them for a bit and break them in. The same can be true with brake pads. New brake pads are a bit stiff and need to be broken in. The process of breaking in new brake pads is referred to as bedding in. When your pads are being bedded in, you may hear some squealing, screeching or grinding. But this noise should lessen as you drive your car and allow the pads to become worn in.
There is Debris on the Brake Pad or Rotor
Another reason why your car may be grinding is that there is debris on your brake pad or rotor. This debris may be something like dirt or dust or can even be rust. If a mechanic sees debris on the rotor when they are replacing the pads, they should clean it or repair it. But often, dirt or dust sneaks on between the pad and rotor when the new pad is being installed. Driving around can cause the dirt and dust to wear off in most cases, but if the sound does not improve, your brakes may need professional cleaning.
Your Rotors Are Worn
The last reason why your brakes may still be grinding after having the pads replaced is that your rotors are worn. When you first brought your car in to have the brakes repaired, the shop may have recommended that you have both the rotors and pads replaced. However, you may have only opted to have the pads replaced due to a lack of money. If the rotors are worn, new shoes alone will not stop the grinding. In this case, you need to replace both to ensure your brakes do not grind and function as they should.
If your brakes are constantly grinding after having the pads replaced and the noise is not letting up, you will want to bring your car back to the automotive brake repair. They will do another inspection and determine exactly what is going on and what needs to happen to stop the sound and ensure your brakes are not being damaged.
Contact a local brake service for more information and assistance.