My car makes a grating noise while applying the brakes to turn

This morning I noticed a heavy grating noise every time I applied the brakes to turn. If i didn't use the brakes my car made the turn with none of the grating noise. It is starting to get more notice able as the day goes on because it started the noise on my way out of town. My parents and siblings have suggested brake pads, ball joints, and power steering fluid needing flushed. What is wrong and other than the noise, it brakes and steers just fine but is it safe?

My car has 92646 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It sounds like you need to check your front brakes. Most of the braking is done with the front brakes, therefore they tend to wear out more quickly than the rear brakes. If you let it go too long, you will need to replace the rotors as well. Have the brakes checked ASAP as this is also a safety concern for you and others on the road. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect your braking system to determine the exact cause of your concern.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If your brake pads are excessively worn, the metal backing on them can become exposed, allowing the rotors and metal to grind against each other when you brake. Not only does this cause an unpleasant sound, but it can also damage your rotor, reduce your brakes` responsiveness, and lead to brake failure.
If you hear grinding noises when stopping or slowing down, your brake pads are most likely the issue. Remember, over time your brake pads lose their thickness and begin to make squealing noises known as “brake scrubbing.” As your pads wear down further, you`ll hear a grinding noise instead.
If you hear a grinding sound coming from your brakes, it`s usually a sign that your brake pads are worn out and their metal backing plates are rubbing against the brake rotors. When this happens, your brakes won`t be able to function properly, which can increase your stopping distance and make you more accident-prone.
Noises When the Vehicle Brakes

Warped rotors can cause a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. They can also make a scraping or grinding sound when they`re warped and worn down. The squealing noise, however, can also be made by brake pads that are worn out.

Driving with grinding brakes is simply not safe. Brakes are a critical component of safe driving and should not be overlooked. If your brakes start to fail: Don`t drive any further.
One possible cause is debris or dirt stuck in the brakes, which can create friction and lead to a grinding noise. Another potential reason is a misalignment of the brake calipers, causing them to rub against the rotor instead of smoothly pressing against it.
Even if you replace the pads or rotors, bits of debris can get caught up during the repair process. This should go away as you continue to drive your car. If you`ve only had your brake pads replaced and not the rotors, the grinding noise could be coming from worn-out rotors.
If your rotors are faulty, they may produce a squeaking, squealing, or grinding sound when you apply the brakes. Warped rotors usually emit a high-pitched squeak, while severely worn rotors tend to make a scraping noise.
Scraping or grinding noises you hear while driving or turning can be caused by the following issues: Worn or failing brake parts: Unevenly worn or rusted rotors or worn or thin brake pads. Worn dust shield that`s moved closer and contacting the brake rotor. Loose, worn, damaged, or failing wheel bearings.
Grinding noise when braking

Grinding brakes indicates that your brake pads have worn all the way down and are now grinding metal on metal against the rotors. The damage can be pretty intense, so you are probably in for a complete new set of pads and rotors.

Uneven brake pads: When the brake fluid gets low, the pedals cannot depress brake pads with the same amount of pressure. This causes uneven wear on the pads. In turn, you experience squeaking, squealing, and grinding when you apply the brakes. The vehicle may also rumble and vibrate when you use the brakes.
Early on, it might sound like something is rubbing when you let off the brake pedal. Ignore that and you will eventually hear a metallic grinding, scraping, or rubbing sound that indicates metal-on-metal contact in your brake system. A less-common occurrence is the sound of a “clunk” when you hit the brake pedal.
Using data provided by Federal Highway Administration statistics on how many miles people drive annually, typical brake pads will last between 3 and 7 years. Brake rotors last roughly 70,000 miles, but they need to be inspected for uneven wear.
You`ll receive a warning squeal as the pads wear away–right before the metal backing plate starts rubbing against the brake disc. This causes a very loud grinding noise (metal on metal) whenever you put your foot on the brake. If it gets to this stage, your car is now dangerous to drive.
Brake pads that are severely worn down often leave deep, circular grooves in the rotor. If such grooves are visible, brake pads and hardware must be replaced, and rotor service or replacement will also be needed.
If you have an open-spoke wheel design, you can run your finger vertically down the brake rotor friction surface. If you can feel and see noticeable grooves, then it`s time for new brake rotors. For cars with hub caps that don`t expose the rotor, you will need to remove your wheel to inspect your brake rotors.
When your brake fluid is dirty or low, it isn`t able to depress your brake pads as efficiently as it should. This can cause uneven wear or even damage to your brake pads, which can cause grinding, squeaking, or squealing noises when you use your brakes.
Worn, missing or broken brake caliper hardware, especially mounting bolts and shims, can cause grinding two ways: A brake caliper not fully secured to its support bracket because of loose or damaged hardware can drag and rub on the rotor, producing a grinding noise while driving and stopping.
WD-40 Specialist Automotive Brake and Parts Cleaner is safe to use on clutch and brake assemblies, brake discs, callipers, brake drums, brake pads and brake linings.
Rotors are very capable of lasting more than 100,000 miles with proper brake inspections, maintenance, and brake pad changes. When brake rotors are replaced, it`s advised to replace all of them and brake pads at the same time.
The most surefire way to determine if they are at the end of their life is to measures the physical thickness to determine if they are too thin. The minimum thickness is defined in the vehicle`s service book, and some brake rotor manufacturers even engrave it on the rotor`s surface.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My car makes a grating noise while applying the brakes to turn
ANSWER : It sounds like you need to check your front brakes. Most of the braking is done with the front brakes, therefore they tend to wear out more quickly than the rear brakes. If you let it go too long, you will need to replace the rotors as well. Have the brakes checked ASAP as this is also a safety concern for you and others on the road. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect your braking system to determine the exact cause of your concern.

car won’t start.
ANSWER : A possibility is a faulty ignition switch. If the switch opens after the car starts, the engine will shut off. But, that is just a possibility and a diagnostic would have to be performed to rule that in or out. Be sure you have a fully charged battery that passes a load test. Starters motors can display intermittent operation if they are faulty. With a fully charged battery, if the starter motor does not run that signifies an electrical problem in the starter circuit (includes the ignition switch) or a problem with the starter motor itself. If there is power to the starter motor and yet it doesn’t run, the starter is condemned and replaced. Alternatively, if there is no power to the starter, or there is a big voltage drop anywhere on the circuit to the starter, then the circuit has to be traced until the fault in the circuit is found. Notably, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. Regardless of what the underlying cause of the no start condition is, if you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this promptly, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

when i turn it make little noise. when press on brake and put on reverse it’s makes weird noise and shakes. thank you
ANSWER : It sounds like you may be dealing with a few issues. I would start by asking if there is a check engine light on? If there is, then getting the engine control module scanned for faults would be the first step to diagnosing the low power issue. As far as the noise over bumps and when turning, there could be a damaged CV joint or axle shaft, or there could be a loose suspension or steering component. Weak motor mounts could cause a weird noise and shake when going into reverse with your foot on the brake, so it’s possible those have failed as well. I would suggest having a qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose the noise over bumps and the noise when put in reverse.

Car making popping noise when braking.
ANSWER : After seeing the video, you will need to have the lower ball joints and bushings checked to see if one or all need to be replaced. You should also have the exhaust checked to see why the engine is so loud. A professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to thoroughly conduct tests to diagnose your vehicle’s popping noise and make the appropriate repairs.

When I brake my my steering wheel turns to the right and car pulls to the left and make a clunk noise when I let go off the brakes
ANSWER : Hi there. A car that pulls to one side when braking is an indication of a potentially dangerous situation, and should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Some common issues that cause this include a collapsed brake caliper or brake hose, warped rotors or damaged suspension components. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car pulls to the left or right inspection.

My car makes a really annoying noise and sometimes dies right after
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided your vehicle’s moaning noise and intermittent stalling problem could be any number of things. It could be a failed alternator diode making the moaning noise and affecting the idle.

A failed alternator diode(s) allows voltage to flow both directions or no flow at all resulting in noise heard and erratic electrical operation. It could be a faulty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve can make noise and would account for the erratic idle and sporadic dying. It could be an accessory component, such as an A/C compressor, serpentine belt tensioner, or idler pulley, power steering pump making noise and placing undo load on the engine at idle. If you would like to have this done, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the noise and stalling issue.

Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.

Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.