tm8747a

I'm getting a really loud grinding noise from the right rear wheel, a metal on metal rubbing kind of noise. I'm assuming it's probably some kind of brake issue, maybe with a brake pad or otherwise, but don't really see anything and don't know much about this kind of stuff. I'm taking it in to get it checked out, but only managed to get an appointment on Wednesday. What are the chances of me doing any serious damage if I keep driving in the meantime? I realize it's hard to tell without knowing for sure what the problem is, but based on the possible problems people can think of, should I keep the car off the road or is it just more of an noisy inconvenience until I can get it fixed?

Band

Does the sound change when you apply the brakes? Does it vary with mph? In either case whether it be a worn out brake pad or a bad wheel bearing, I would not drive the car until the issue is resolved.

tm8747a

Yes, the sound is considerably worse when the brakes are applied. Until yesterday, the sound would stop when just driving, but now there's still a bit of scraping even when the brakes aren't applied.

Band

Any auto service chain should be able to give you a quick drive in diagnosis. You likely need new brake pads and rotors. Get it fixed asap!

tm8747a

I managed to find a garage to check it out on short notice. I'm going to be a little surprised if it's a break pad issue, when I last changed my tires they checked the pads and they were still OK and it hasn't been that long, surprised I'd go that quickly to a screeching sound like my brakes are just rubbing on metal. Hopefully it won't be anything major. Thanks a lot for the advice.

tm8747a

Got the car back, they changed the brake pads and also had to change two brake discs. Bye bye noise. Thanks again for the advice, I'm glad I took it in immediately.

Carver

Yeah, good thing you got it in there, as a rule, the noisier a car gets the more it's going to cost to fix it.

Band

Glad this worked out!