New Ceramic Brake Pads Make Grinding Noise

An essential part of a car’s braking system is the brake pads. When the brake pedal is depressed, they are pressed against the brake rotor, slowing or stopping the car. They are made of a soft, friction substance. Brake pads may wear over time and require replacement.

Brake pad materials come in various forms, including metallic, semi-metallic, organic, and ceramic. Ceramic brakes are renowned for their low dust and noise levels and their capacity to withstand high temperatures.

However, some users of ceramic brake pads have mentioned hearing grinding sounds. This may result from several things, including defective installation, poor bedding procedures, or uneven pad wear.

For effective installation and use of ceramic brake pads, it is essential to seek advice from a mechanic or adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In our guide, you can learn more about what to do if new ceramic brake pads grinding after fitting them.

By the end, you’ll better understand what to do to stop ceramic brake pads noise and ensure your car can stop adequately. (Read Dashboard Lights Stay On When Car Is Off)

ceramic brake pads

What Are Ceramic Brake Pads?

Ceramic brake pads are made of ceramic and metallic materials. They are designed to provide improved braking performance and a longer lifespan than traditional brake pads made of organic materials. Ceramic brake pads are known for dissipating heat more effectively than organic brake pads, making them less prone to brake fade or failure under heavy braking conditions.

They also produce less dust, making them a good choice for drivers who want to keep their wheels clean. Ceramic brake pads also tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan, saving drivers money in the long run.

Why Do I Hear Brake Caliper Noise On New Brakes?

After replacing brake pads and rotors, have you heard a squealing or grinding sound when applying pressure to the brake pedal?

Following the installation of new brake pads and rotors, your brakes may still grind for a variety of reasons, such as a thin layer of moisture-induced rust, a discrepancy in the metallurgy at the brake pad’s surface, a lack of lubrication at the brake contact sites, and crooked brake clips.

Most of the time, the new brakes will become quieter after a few hundred miles of driving.

What Causes Grinding Brake Noise On Ceramic Pads

If you ever ask, do ceramic brake pads make noise? Here’s the main reason ceramic pads can sound noisy.

Improper pad installation:

One common cause of grinding noise when using new ceramic pads is improper installation. If the rear brakes or front rotors are not properly seated or aligned, it can result in a grinding noise when hard braking.

Debris between pad and rotor:

Another potential cause of grinding noise with new ceramic brake pads is debris caught between the pad and the rotor. If small particles or bits of metal get stuck in this area, it can cause a grinding noise as the pad and rotor rub against each other at low speeds.

Caliper Misalignment:

One thing that causes a grinding noise from the ceramic material of your pads is the misalignment of calipers. When this isn’t aligned with the rotor, it causes the pads to rub against the rotor inconsistently, resulting in a grinding noise. (Read Wiring Harness 4 Wire O2 Sensor Wiring Diagram)

brake repair

How To Fix Ceramic Brake Pad Noise?

It can be frustrating and dangerous when you hear a grinding noise coming from your brakes after replacing the old pads with new ceramic pads.

Here are some steps you can take to fix the issue:

Check your pad installation:

Ensure that the pads are installed correctly and that there are no loose or missing parts. If the pads are not correctly seated in the caliper, it can cause grinding and other issues.

Clean debris from pad and rotor:

If there is debris caught between the pad and the rotor, it can cause the pad to rub against the rotor unevenly and create a grinding noise. Use a brake cleaner to remove any debris that may be stuck between the pad and the rotor.

Realign the caliper:

If the caliper is misaligned, it can cause the pads to rub against the rotor unevenly and create a grinding noise. To realign the caliper, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold it in place and adjust its position until it is properly aligned.

Why Do New Brakes Grind At A Complete Stop?

There are several reasons that new brakes may start making a grinding noise when you come to a stop, including:

Rust:

After sitting for a while, brake pads will start to rust (oxidize), which will make the brakes noisy unless the rust is removed. This is not exclusive to new brakes and, in most situations, will go away fast.

Metallurgy:

The surface of a brake pad may have slightly different metallurgy from the remainder of the pad, with tighter fibers. Until the pad’s surface is worn down, this can make a squealing or grinding sound.

Poor lubrication:

Where a brake pad and brake caliper are attached, there needs to be enough lubrication; one of the goals of this lubrication is to lessen the vibration that may result in brake noise.

Poor quality brakes:

Cheap or inferior brake pads might lead to a loud grinding sound in addition to other issues. The best option is to spend the little premium on high-quality brake pads that stop more effectively, last longer, and make less noise. (Read What Does A Drive Shaft Do)

Other worn-out parts:

The shims, wheel bearings, rotor discs, and brake drums may need to be fixed even when the brakes are new.

Causes of Brake Noise After New Pads and Rotors at low speed)

Below are sources of brake noise after new pads and rotors and our response to new brakes.  Small bits of rock or gravel might get lodged in the caliper of your brake system. Debris between the rotor and caliper can create scraping or grinding noises and vibrations.

If the piece isn’t removed, your rotor will be damaged, resurfaced, or replaced. If something becomes stuck in your brakes, it might cause uneven pad wear and misaligned brake pads. If this happens, performance will suffer, and you’ll need to change your pads sooner.

Leaving Brakes In The On Position

Leaving the brake on after replacing pads and rotors can generate noise. Brake caliper pins apply and release the brake pads. When calipers sit in the apply position, the brake pad is applied cockeyed to the vehicle rotor.

Worn-Out Shims

If you replace a brake pad or undertake a brake job on your car, you must replace the shims. Brake shims wear out and can cause a shim to contact the rotor or other metal parts. If metal keeps meeting metal like this, you’ll hear sounds from your brake system as you drive.

Is Buying a Cheap Brand of Pad Worth It?

If your brakes still squeak after replacing pads and rotors, you may have imitation brake pads. This can make new brakes screech at low speed under normal braking. Most car owners use cheap brake pads to save money. Low-quality brake pads can make the difference between a near-collision and a totaled car and significant injuries.

In addition to poor performance, cheaper brake pads can include metal pieces in the pad material that can scrape against the rotor and damage your car. Buying a reputed brand of brake pads will save you money over time.

faqs

FAQs

Will Brake Cleaner Stop Grinding On New Rotors?

A high-quality brake cleaner can be the source of your brake grinding woes, depending on the cause of the problem. For instance, you could use a cleaner if the problem is grinding or friction from a drum, caliper, liner, shoe, or pad.

If your problem is old, worn-out, or resurfaced parts, brake cleaner may not eliminate the grinding noises or vibration from brakes and wheels under normal braking.

Can I Drive With Grinding Brakes?

It isn’t advisable to continue driving if your brakes are grinding. Grinding brakes indicate a major mechanical issue. Noise is often caused by worn brake pads, and worn brake pads damage rotors, which are more expensive to fix than pads.

Grinding brakes should be checked as soon as possible.

How Should Replaced Brakes Feel?

With increased pressure, your new brakes should feel firmer. However, even the best new brakes may grind for a while until they are bedded in.

If your new brakes feel bumpy or squeaky, the mechanic may not have aligned or oiled them properly. If they feel “spongy,” as some say, the air in the brake lines may be the problem, and you need to bleed your brakes. (Read Why Is My Temperature Gauge Not Going Up)

How Long Does It Take For Brakes To Bed In?

After 300-400 miles of driving, brakes are typically broken in. Take it easy for the first 100 miles; your brakes should be good to go, although some brake professionals recommend a break-in procedure.

Be patient and slow when “bedding” new brakes. Bedding involves carefully heating and cooling brakes.

How Do You Break In New Rotors?

“Bedding” brakes prevent uneven material distribution on the rotor. Heat and friction during braking deposit brake pad material onto the rotor, and pad transfer material increases braking by providing friction to the smooth rotor surface.

“Bedding” brakes prevent uneven material distribution on the rotor. If you run the brakes excessively hot, park the car without letting the pads cool; the melted pads will cool in one location on the rotor, leaving an uneven distribution of pad material.

So you may wonder how to break in new brake parts. Speed, timing, and brake pressure ratios are essential.

Here’s how you can break in new brake rotors:

  1. Maintain 30 mph.
  2. Gradual brake stops.
  3. After each stop, wait about a minute to let the brakes cool before speeding up your vehicle.
  4. Using this method to break in your rotors, you avoid overheating your brake pads.

New Ceramic Brake Pads Make Grinding Noise (1)