Brakes all round: discs and pads on an estate car
A grinding noise when braking. What we found: pads worn down to the backing plate, discs scored and rimmed with rust.
- Estate, 2016
- Repair
- 1 working day
What was noticed
The customer heard a metallic grinding when braking, mostly at the front left. The pad wear light had not come on: on this model, the wear sensor sits on only one wheel per axle.
What we found
On the lift it was obvious. The front pads were worn down to the backing plate, and the metal had cut grooves into the discs. At the rear, the pads were just within tolerance, but the discs were heavily rusted at the edge. That is typical of cars that often stand for long periods.
What we did
- Called first to explain what we found and the quote for front and rear
- Replaced discs and pads on both axles, with original-equipment quality parts
- Cleaned and greased the brake calliper guides
- Checked the brake fluid
- Test drive with several stops
Result
The brakes pull evenly and the noise has gone. As requested, the old parts were waiting in the boot.
Grinding when you brake is not a noise to wait out. The longer metal rubs on metal, the more likely it is that the discs need replacing too.