pistons2005

I know nothing about cars whatsoever. I'm sure this has been talked about before but im going to ask anyway. I have a 2002 grand am and two days ago all of the sudden whenever i brake it makes a horrible grinding noise. it seems to happen more during stop and go traffic. I dont know what to do. any help is greatly appreciated.

Ridenour

You could have a sticky caliper / boot component. Or you could have warped rotors - you're best bet, if you don't know much about cars would be to take it into a brakes place and have them diagnose it for you - it'd be much easier.

by the way, welcome to the forum

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trixtaz

Or you just need new brake pads...

If your steering wheel vibrates when you brake, then it could be warped rotors, but by the sound of it, you may need to replace your pads and/or rotors.

Knifeblade_03

Quick check re the pads, pull the wheels, and look at both pads for their thickness. The pads are attached to a metal backing plate, and if ya see plate, no pad, replace pads. View the pads from the top of the brake caliper attached to the brake rotor.

Run your fingers around both the inner and outer surface of the brake rotor itself, if ya feel grooves, the rotor is bad.

Check out www.autozone.com for diagrams of the brakes, that will help ya see what I mean.

pistons2005

Hey thanks for the reply. I just wanted to check here before i walked into a brake place so i would have some idea if i was getting screwed or whatever.

Knifeblade_03

np, glad to help

Martina

I've replaced more rotors and shoes/pads on this car than I have on any other car I've owned. It's almost like routine maintenance.

When my pads are starting to wear down they will grind too. Seems I have to change my pads every 4 months or so.

Knifeblade_03

martina, have your rotors checked for "true". If they are warped, you'll go thru pads really fast.

blond_trubble

Hey there,

I have the same horrible grinding sound when I brake in my 2001 Grand Am GTI. Also, when creeping the car sounds like something is rubbing in the front end. Any suggestions of what might be causing this and what the potential fix and cost might be? Just wondering what steps I need to take

Thanks!