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A grinding, squealing, or scraping noise when braking indicates the brake pad friction material has worn down to the metal backing plate. The brake disc is being scored. Continuing to drive with metal-to-metal contact will rapidly damage the brake disc beyond resurface and substantially increase the repair cost. Replace brake pads immediately — if the disc has been scored deeply, replace both pads and discs as a set.
Based on 768 driver confirmations
Grinding only from the back left. Pads looked fine. Turned out the caliper piston had seized so the pad was dragging all the time even when not braking. That's what ground it down. New caliper and pads fixed it. Also explains why the car was pulling slightly to the left, hadn't connected the two.
Parts replaced: Rear brake caliper, rear pads (one side)
Grinding had been going on about a month. When I finally got it looked at the discs were grooved about 2mm deep on both sides. Had to do pads and discs front axle. Would've been half the price if I'd done it when the squealing started. Don't leave it like I did.
Parts replaced: Front discs x2, front pads
Started as a squeal a few weeks ago which I ignored — then became a horrible grinding. Took the wheels off myself and the front pads were metal on metal, literally no friction material left. Rears weren't much better. Did all four corners myself, took about 3 hours, cost me £85 in parts. Discs were ok, just light scoring. Noise is completely gone.
Parts replaced: Front and rear brake pads x4
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