Auto Repair Help by Professional Mechanics
Car Noises /
Grinding Sounds
My Car is Making a Grinding Noise
Introduction - READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING
When a grinding noise is detected first locate the area of the
car it is being generated from. Most grinding noises
will be being generated while driving, if you are having a hard time detecting
the location of the grinding sound, have a helper ride along in the rear seat to
give a new perspective on the origin of the grinding noise. A grinding noise can
be generated by many things from worn out brake pads to axle bearing failure.
Once a grinding sound has been detected action must be prompt. Grinding in most
cases is telling you something has failed or is failing. We have listed the most
common causes of grinding noises below:
Grinding Noise (grinding balls)
Car Grinding Repair Guide:
- Worn Out Brake Pads or Shoes: The
brake
pads on your car are designed to slow the vehicle when applied. If the brake pads are
completely worn out they will make a grinding noise when the brakes are applied.
The grinding noise is created when the pad is forced against the brake rotor
in normal braking operation. To
check for this condition inspect the brake pads in question. The brake pads
should have composite material between the pad backing plate and the
brake
rotor, or on the rear of the
vehicle
brake drum and
shoes. If a brake grinding noise is allowed
to continue, brake operation failure could occur. The
rotor featured below is a perfect example of what can happen if a brake
grinding noise is left unattended.
Broken Brake Rotor
When a grinding brake rotor is neglected, it will cause the brake
system to fail due to the separation of the rotor hat (center) from the
outer web (braking surface). Additional problems the can occur include the
brake pad to fall out completely or the
brake
caliper to blow out a piston. Either condition will cause brake
operation failure. Do not drive the vehicle in this
condition, brake operation failure will occur. To inspect or replace your brake pads observe the video
below:
How to Change Front Brake Pads and Rotors
-
Checking Engine and Transmission Mounts: The engine mounts in your
car are designed to hold the engine and transmission in place. When these
mounts fail it will allow the engine to settle onto the car frame producing
a grinding noise. To inspect for this condition the car will need to be
lifted and the engine mounts inspected. Look for separation of the rubber
and metal mounts that hold the mount together. If separation is detected the
mount must be replaced.
- Checking Axle Bearing Failure: An axle bearing is designed to
support the weight of the vehicle while allowing the wheels to rotate. These
bearings are manufactured with high grade steel that resists wear under
extreme conditions. When an axle bearing fails it allows metal to contact
metal under pressure with a linear motion creating a grinding noise. Once an axle bearing fails it cannot be repair, replacement is required. Remove
axle bearing and replace with new and recheck. Some vehicles are equipped
with a bearing hub assembly. The bearing below is the style of bearing is replaced by un-bolting
the bearing hub assembly and replacing it with new.
Axle Bearing Hub
Other bearing designs include separated bearings that include inner and
outer bearings with bearing races, a four piece set. Separated bearings
require an inboard seal attached to the bearing hub. This seal rides on the
spindle to hold grease inside of the bearing hub, keeping lubrication inside
of the bearings.
Axle Bearing/Race Set with Seals
- Grinding Noise When Going Into Gear (standard transmission
only): When your car is stopped or coming to a stop the engine needs to be disconnected
from the transmission or the engine will stall. With
automatic transmission vehicles a
torque converter is used to separate the two units, but with
manual transmission vehicles a clutch assembly is used to do the job.
When a clutch malfunctions it can not allow the engine to become disengaged
from the transmission. When this condition occurs the input shaft of the
transmission is not allowed to stop rotation, as a result this will not
allow the transmission to be engaged into any gear. When a gear is selected
a grinding sound will be produced. If this is the case in your car the
clutch operation must be inspected and repair as needed.
Clutch and Flywheel Assembly (Cut Away)
- Checking Power Steering: A
power steering system is designed to utilize power from the engine
to assist in the force needed to steer the vehicle. When the engine is running, a
multi ribbed
serpentine belt is used to transfer engine power to a hydraulic fluid pump. This
pump pressurizes fluid and then transfers this fluid using power steering hoses
that are connected to a power steering box or rack and pinion depending on how the
car is designed. When the power steering system has run low on fluid it can
create a grinding noise. This noise is more apparent when steering the car.
When the power steering is malfunctioning the vehicle will
be very difficult to steer. It is advised not to move a vehicle with the
power steering system not operating. Any steering component malfunction can
cause the vehicle to be uncontrollable. When a malfunction occurs check the
system fluid level and add as needed. When this condition occurs the
power
steering system has a leak and needs to be inspected and repaired.
Power Steering Cap
-
Check Starter Operation: If a grinding noise is present when
the engine is cracked over, chances are the flywheel is damaged. When this
condition occurs the flywheel teeth have become worn and are not allowing
proper mesh between the start drive gear and the flywheel. This means the
teeth used to drive the flywheel or flex plate have been worn off. To repair
this condition the flywheel will need to be replaced.
- Check the Tire Wear Pattern - A tire with a
scalped tread pattern on the tire will cause a grinding sound at speed over 45
MPH. This tire condition is caused by a combination of worn struts or shocks and
or
tire imbalance. If a tire is controlled unevenly the tire will vibrate causing
the tread to contact the ground inconsistently. This inconsistent contact with the
road causes the tire tread to wear unevenly. (Cupping, tire example on the right).
To check for this condition take your hand and pass it over the tire tread, it should
be smooth. If high and low points exist the tire is cupped and needs to be rotated
or replaced depending on the severity of the cupping condition.
Tire Wear Patterns
For manufacturer specific procedures for any of the steps above please visit
our car repair
manual page.
Car Noises /
Grinding Sounds
Check Manufacturer Specific
Grinding Noise Questions and Answers
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