Yesterday I noticed my brakes started to make a metallic squeaking or grinding sound when I braked. Does this mean I need new brake pads? The front rotors looked smooth and the back ones had a dry, white residue on them. Is this just brake dust and can it make them make that sound when I brake??

 

How much material is left on the pad? When were they last replaced?

Does it squeak only when braking?

If there is a lot of life left in the pad, chances are the back of the pad was not greased enough when installed.

 

I'm really not sure. I can check the records to see when they were last replaced. This is the first time they have done it and it isn't that bad...my friend said that his sound like mine when he has break dust on them. I'll wash them today and see if anything changes.

 

Definitely check brake pad life...if you're down to the backing, that's your squealers going off, telling you to replace, replace, replace!