You might think many times, “why are my brakes grinding after new pads and rotors”? Well, there are three main reasons: the bedding-in process, rust on the rotor surface, or low-quality brake pad materials.
The bedding-in process is a necessary step for optimal brake performance, while rust can develop if the vehicle is left parked for an extended period. Low-quality brake pads can also produce a grinding noise, indicating a need for replacement to ensure safe driving.
When you install new ceramic brake pads on your vehicle, you expect them to provide you with smooth and quiet braking. But there is a possibility that you start to hear new ceramic brake pads make grinding noise.
Obviously, this can be frustrating and worrying for drivers who may think that there’s something wrong with their brake system. If you are facing such a scenario, you must know what to do when your new ceramic brake pads start making grinding noise.
Why are My Brakes Grinding after New Pads and Rotors (Meaning & Consequences)
You can hear a grinding sound emanating from your vehicle’s brakes if you recently changed the brake pads for your car to new ceramic brakes ones. For sure, this scary sound may make you fear that there is a problem with your brake system.
However, this sound is typically quite natural and the consequence of the bedding-in process. Yes, the transfer process can create a grinding noise that typically disappears after a few hundred miles of driving.
Still, if the grinding noise persists even after the bedding-in process, it could be due to rust on the rotor surface or low-quality brake pad materials. In either case, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid potential safety hazards.
Here are three reasons why you should address the new ceramic brake pads’ grinding sound as soon as possible:
1. Reduced braking performance:
If your brake pads are grinding, this may be a sign that they need to be repaired. Reduced braking performance as a result of this problem may be risky, especially in emergency situations.
2. Increased wear and tear:
If your brake pads are not functioning correctly, they may cause increased wear and tear on other parts of your brake system, such as the rotors. This wear and tear could lead to more significant repair costs down the road.
3. Safety hazards:
If your brake system is not functioning correctly, it could be a safety hazard to you and other drivers on the road. Any potential issues with your brake system should be addressed promptly to ensure safe driving.
New Ceramic Brake Pads Make Grinding Noise
Ceramic brake pads are becoming increasingly popular among car owners due to their durability, performance, and reduced brake dust. But, it’s not uncommon for new ceramic brake pads to produce a grinding noise, which can be concerning for drivers.
You don’t have to panic or worry in such a situation. It happens, and there is a proper procedure to follow in order to remove such noise. You must be aware of the factors, why this grinding noise occurs all of a sudden.
There are several causes due to which this grinding noise can occur. Below, there are 8 of the most common ones described to help you get an idea of what might be the actual problem:
1. Bedding-In Process:
The bedding-in process is a critical step to ensure optimal brake performance when installing new ceramic brake pads. During this process, a small amount of material is transferred from the brake pad onto the rotor.
This transfer process can create a grinding noise, which is entirely normal and typically disappears after a few hundred miles of driving.
2. Rust on the Rotor Surface:
The rotor surface of your car may rust if it’s left parked for a long time. When you use your brakes for the first time after this rust has formed, it can create a grinding noise. However, this noise should disappear after a few stops.
3. Low-Quality Brake Pads:
Low-quality ceramic brake pads can produce a grinding noise even after the bedding-in process. This noise can be due to poor-quality materials or a faulty manufacturing process.
To prevent any safety hazards, it’s critical to change your brake pads as soon as you feel they may be of low quality.
4. Glazing:
Glazing occurs when the brake pad material becomes too hot, and a layer of melted material forms on the brake pad’s surface. When the brakes are engaged, this layer may create a grinding sound to be heard.
Glazing may result from abrupt braking or incorrect brake pad bedding-in. In severe cases, the glazing can reduce the brake pad’s effectiveness, leading to the need for replacement.
5. Worn Brake Pads:
Your brake pads may make a grinding sound if they are worn out. The brake pad’s metal backing scraping on the rotor is the cause of this noise. In this case, it’s essential to replace the brake pads to avoid further damage to the brake system.
6. Rotor Damage:
The surface of the rotor might be harmed by brake pads if they are not placed properly or if they are of low quality. The brakes may make a grinding sound when engaged as a result of this damage. In severe cases, the rotor may need to be replaced.
7. Stuck Brake Caliper:
If the brake caliper is stuck in a closed position, it can cause the brake pads to remain in contact with the rotor, even when the brakes are not applied. This constant contact can cause the brake pads to wear down quickly and produce a grinding noise.
It’s essential to address this issue promptly to avoid further damage to the brake system.
8. Loose Brake Pad:
If a brake pad becomes loose, it can move around in the caliper, causing it to produce a grinding noise when applied. This issue can be caused by a worn-out or damaged brake pad retention clip, which holds the brake pad in place.
In this case, it’s essential to replace the retention clip and ensure that the brake pad is correctly installed.
Remember, a new ceramic brake pad’s grinding noise can be caused by a range of issues, including the bedding-in process, rust on the rotor surface, low-quality brake pads, glazing, worn brake pads, rotor damage, stuck brake caliper, or loose brake pad.
Therefore, it’s essential to identify the cause of the grinding noise and address the issue promptly to avoid further damage to the brake system and ensure safe driving.
How to Fix the New Ceramic Brake Pads Make Grinding Noise
To maintain safe driving and prevent additional harm to the braking system, it’s critical to take immediate action if your new ceramic brake pads are making a grinding noise.
Make sure you have the toolset in place and you are ready to fix things on your own. You need to inspect the cause first and then continue with the procedure.
Here are four steps you can take to fix new ceramic brake pads that make a grinding noise:
Step 1. Identify the Cause:
The first step in fixing the issue is to identify the cause of the grinding noise. The cause can be one of the eight reasons mentioned earlier in this discussion.
This includes the bedding-in process, rust on the rotor surface, low-quality brake pads, glazing, worn brake pads, rotor damage, stuck brake caliper, or a loose brake pad.
Step 2. Clean and Inspect the Brake System:
Once you have identified the cause of the grinding noise, it’s essential to clean and inspect the brake system thoroughly.
Check the brake pads, rotor, and calipers for any signs of wear, damage, or contamination.
Remove any rust or debris from the rotor surface and ensure that the brake pads are correctly aligned.
Step 3. Replace any Damaged Components:
If you have identified any damaged components, such as worn brake pads, damaged rotors, or a stuck brake caliper, it’s essential to replace them promptly.
Step 4. Re-Bed the Brake Pads:
If the cause of the grinding noise is due to improper bedding-in of the brake pads, it’s necessary to re-bed the brake pads correctly.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended bedding-in process to ensure optimal brake performance and reduce the risk of future grinding noise.
Last Few Words
When the new ceramic brake pads make grinding noise, the driving experience becomes very disturbing. Having noisy brake pads is a common issue that requires prompt attention.
The grinding noise can be caused by various factors. These factors can undoubtedly affect your driving experience which may lead you to frustration. But don’t worry, you can always perform a fix, given a proper set of instructions to solve the problem.
Ignoring the grinding noise can lead to further damage to the brake system, reduced brake performance, and safety risks while driving. Therefore, it’s essential to take care of the problem as soon as possible and make sure that your brake system is functioning at its best for reliable and safe driving.
