Grinding the brakes

[FableLifeV6]

Well this is a nice suprise, this morning when I was braking I didn't hear the normal squeel(sp) that says your brakes are low, the damn things started grinding on my way to work :( I checked when i got out and a wonderful suprise of a deep groove in my driver side front rotor (couldnt check passenger, was to dark out). So I guess nows a great time to get new brakes and rotors ;)

I'm going to granny drive on the way home through rush hour traffic, hopefully wont tear anything else up. I know I have to replace rotors and pad now, but do you think the calipers are damaged also from grinding?

Got a 1997 Camaro, discs in front, drums in back (wish I could change them out for discs).

[Vanquish]

Re: Grinding the brakes

Remember, the brakes don't always squeel first. Sometimes they let out a roaring grind. I believe since you caught it so soon that your calipers will be just fine.

On a side note though, you may want to consider using your e-brake as your main break on the way home, then change your pads right away.

When you say a groove in your rotor, how deep are we talking? Can you get a pic? I really don't see a simple grind(if it was the first) putting a gouge into your rotor.

[FableLifeV6]

Re: Grinding the brakes

When i go on my first break from work I'll take another good look, the groove was definately noticable, can't miss it lol. I can take a pic with my phone, but will have to wait to get home until i can upload it.

Honestly hard to describe how deep it was, it definately wasn't a scratch thats for sure. I'll see if I measure it somehow on break.

[hockeyman]

Re: Grinding the brakes

The rotors aren't expensive if you have an autozone near you. They are about $30 each. I'd recommend replacing them with when you do the pads.

[FableLifeV6]

Re: Grinding the brakes

Alrite just checked, they're not grooves yet, but the rotors are scratched to hell, the calipers are just now grinding against them, both sides of car.

Thinking if I get some new pads and sand the rotors a little to smooth them out again I should be fine.

[hockeyman]

Re: Grinding the brakes

Thinking if I get some new pads and sand the rotors a little to smooth them out again I should be fine.

You don't need to worry about sanding the rotors. The new pads will do that for you as you're stopping. The only reason I'm recommending that you replace the rotors is that they may be the original rotors, and worn down over the years. Also, once they are scored/grooved, alot of shops won't pass them during inspection.

[FableLifeV6]

Re: Grinding the brakes

I think the rotors are warped also, they're still stock I believe. Cars does shake a bit when I brake lol. Guess its a good time to redo the whole thing this weekend, just need to decide what parts to get now. Thanks for the help :)

[Niko97RS]

Re: Grinding the brakes

ya, hearing a grinding is ok for now(not that u shouldnt replace it ASAP) but the back of the pad which is the harder metal is ruining ur rotor...

once u hear jingling and then nothing...be worried

[FableLifeV6]

Re: Grinding the brakes

ya, hearing a grinding is ok for now(not that u shouldnt replace it ASAP) but the back of the pad which is the harder metal is ruining ur rotor...

once u hear jingling and then nothing...be worried

I did yesterday, sounded like a peice of tin of something under the car yesterday, but didn't see anything wrong underneath, also checked the brakes and didnt see anything wrong on the outside. Sounded like an exhaust hanger or something rattled over a bump... Atlanta has horrible roads here. Don't think its related though, atleast hoping not, will find out this weekend when i redo my brakes.

[John G.]

Re: Grinding the brakes

just curious -- how many miles do y'all get out of a set of front pads ?

I reckon the brand makes a difference...

I know "driving style" sure does :banana:

[crushedout]

Re: Grinding the brakes

FablelifeV6

here is a link to when I replaced my pads, rotors, and calipers. http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=72239

I have nothing but good things to say sense changing to what I have now.

[FableLifeV6]

Re: Grinding the brakes

Good to know :) I should get be getting my rotors in the next few days and will work on redoing my front setup on friday or saturday. It seems pretty straight forward to change out the pads and rotors, did you use any guides or books to change them out?