Likely causes, most common first
Scored or warped discs
Once a disc is grooved, new pads alone will not fix the noise.
Stone trapped in the dust shield
Free fix — check before buying anything.
Seized caliper slide pin
One pad wears out much faster than the other side.
Checks to run first
- 1.Look through the wheel: less than 3 mm of pad material means replace now
- 2.Run a fingernail across the disc face — a deep lip means disc replacement
- 3.Compare inner and outer pad thickness to spot a seized caliper
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my car grind when I brake?
- Metal-on-metal grinding almost always means the friction material is gone and the pad backing plate is cutting into the disc.
- Is it safe to drive with this?
- No. This symptom can leave you stranded or cause much more expensive damage — get it looked at before driving further.
- How much does it cost to fix?
- The most likely repair is brake pad replacement, which runs $110–$455 in the US including labour, or $35–$190 in parts if you fit it yourself.
Brakes parts
Brake pads, discs, calipers and fluid
Find parts that fit
Year, make, model, trim — then only parts that fit your car.