Squeal, grind or pulse: what your brakes are telling you
Three common brake noises, what usually causes each one, and which ones mean you should book this week.
Tommy Nguyen
Brake & suspension technician
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6 min read
A high squeal
Many pads have a small metal tab that squeals when the pad is getting thin. It’s an early warning, not an emergency, but book soon.
A metal-on-metal grind
Grinding usually means the pad material is gone and metal is touching the rotor. That damages rotors quickly and lengthens stopping distance.
✓ Book right away
✓ Avoid hard stops until it’s checked
✓ Expect rotor work if it’s been grinding a while
A pulsing pedal
A pedal that pulses at highway speeds often points to uneven rotor surfaces. We measure rotor thickness and runout and show you the numbers.
This article is general information. Your owner’s manual and a hands-on inspection come first, so call us if you’re unsure.
General information
This article is general advice, not a diagnosis. Every car is different. If something sounds, smells or feels off, call the shop.
Written by
Tommy Nguyen
Brake & suspension technician
ASE A4 Suspension & Steering, A5 Brakes (sample credentials)
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