Brakes
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    car
    truck

    Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

    Typical repair cost: $200–$1,200

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    Common Symptoms

    Metal-on-metal grind when braking
    Pulsation in pedal
    Vibration through steering
    Burning smell from wheels
    ABS light on

    Most Likely Causes

    1

    Pads worn to backing plate

    No friction material left — every brake application damages the rotor.

    2

    Rotor scoring / gouges

    Deep grooves prevent uniform contact and cause grind on every revolution.

    3

    Rock or debris in caliper

    Trapped rock scrapes rotor constantly.

    4

    Stuck caliper piston

    Causes one pad to drag and overheat.

    How a Shop Diagnoses It

    1. 1.Visual inspection — pad thickness should be ≥3 mm.
    2. 2.Rotor measurement vs OEM minimum thickness.
    3. 3.Caliper slide-pin and piston test.

    When to see a professional

    Grinding means metal-on-metal — every stop deepens rotor damage. Park it and get it fixed.

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    Related Brakes problems

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    $150–$800 typical repair
    Trailer brake failure
    $50–$1200 typical repair
    Air brake leak
    $50–$1500 typical repair

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