When to act urgently
Grinding, weak braking, pulling or a warning light should be treated urgently.
Common possible causes
- Pad wear indicators
- Dust or surface rust
- Glazed friction material
- Uneven wear
What you can safely check
- Note when the sound occurs
- Look for a brake warning light
- Do not apply lubricants to brake parts
What not to attempt
Avoid dismantling safety-critical, pressurised, hot or high-voltage systems without suitable training and equipment. Generic symptoms are not enough to choose a repair.
How a workshop diagnoses it
A technician will confirm the symptom, review relevant vehicle information and use physical, electronic or measured tests as appropriate. The aim is to separate the underlying cause from related symptoms.