Grinding sound when braking?

[jseeba]

Everyone here has been so helpful in the past, so thought I'd post about my newest Explorer issue...

Whenever I brake, there's a grinding, rubbing sound that has recently gotten worse. It started a couple of days ago and got louder yesterday.

When I step on the brake and slow down faster, the sound is much louder. It happens when I step on the brake going forward and backwards too.

If anyone knows what it might be, how to possibly fix it or how much is reasonable to pay to get it fixed, that would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.

- jason
www.seeba.net

 

[Jefe]

Most likely you've worn out your brake pad(s) and are now destroying your rotor(s).

 

[Lt.Jim]

I have to agree with Jefe. Repacing the brake pads is cheap and easy. The rotors on the other hand are not so cheap or easy. Check the list of useful threads section. There is a write up on brakes in there. Do it soon if you're already grinding your rotors it will only get worse and more expen$ive.

 

[jseeba]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Will take care of it today.

- jason

 

[XLoudFN97X]

you NEED new pads and you could possibly get away with having your rotors turned instead of buying new ones, as long as the grinding hasnt whittled them to below factory specs. New pads are about $40-$60 a set (of 4) and having rotors turned costs about $15 each. Youll need basic tools and about 3 hours. Do it yourself, you'll learn something. GL
~stu

 

[CDW6212R]

Check the brakes first. If the rotors have been eaten into, buy new rotors. Rotors are not very expensive at most parts stores. Buy the best pads that you can afford. Avoid any pads from the average parts stores, unless it's an emergency.

Buy factory pads, unless you know positively that something else is better. There are few pads available locally that are as good as factory pads. I have tried most of them, and this is the best general rule about brake pads. Good luck,

 

[XLoudFN97X]

Buy the best pads that you can afford. Buy factory pads, unless you know positively that something else is better.

Great tip, CDW. I used Wagner's QuietTech, I beleive they were called. It was the "best" option on the local O'Reillys brake menu. Good brakes, the stopping force is definitely better than the factory pads but they are NOT the quietest pads. While you have everything apart, make sure and use a synthetic brake/caliper grease like Stop Squeal (about $2.50US for a single use packet for 4 brakes) just to ensure eveything is well lubed. Use on the pad surfaces and moving caliper parts to reduce vibration and that way you wont spend another morning inside the wheel wells getting rid of that damn squeeek.

 

[Glacier991]

there is a thread in the "Useful Threads" about your brake job. It might help.

 

[XLoudFN97X]

i like typing things in all over again j/k