How long can I drive on grinding brakes?
Asked by Gabrielle Oct 26, 2014 at 08:59 PM about the 2008 Mercury Milan
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I was about 3-5 minutes away from home
when I heard my brakes grinding. I'm going
to take my car to the shop tomorrow. It's
about 15 minutes away from where I live. Do
you think I could make it there without my
brakes giving out?
8 Answers
It's not easy to say. How is the brake peddle? Is it soft and go to the floor? Is the grinding noise only when you step on the brake? How log has this been going on?
I only hear the grinding when I step on the brake and no it's not soft. It just started , I was a few minutes away from home when I heard it.
Then you should be safe. The grinding noise is some sort of contaminant in between the pad and the rotor.
Correction. I miss read your reply. You probably down to metal on metal because the brake pads are worn out. Drive conservatively and you should be fine.
I'd agree with BoholMark. Brake Pads are worn out and either 1 of 2 scenarios. Replacing the pads and resurfacing of the rotors. Replacing both pads and rotors (more expensive). Ask the mechanic IF the rotors can be resurfaced. Since this a front wheel drive car, you may only have to worry about front pads & rotors. Best of luck and drive carefully to the repair shop :)
Thanks for the responses. I got it there just in time to only need new brake pads and not rotors.
I only hear grinding when I make right turns...mechanic told me that I need rear brakes and replace rotors/drums....my ? is how long can I drive the car this way?
most likely its the brake pads already down to bear metal you should get your breaks checks.. may also be your rotors are beginning to get warped
