Brake problems -

[chel0524]

My van has started making a horrible grinding noise when I press the brakes. Obviously it is the brakes. My DH will be able to put on new ones this weekend.

In the meantime, is it safe to drive it? Will I be doing damage to something in there? I plan on getting it home tonight and parking it until he can fix them on Friday.

I just want to make sure I can get me and our 3 little girls home safely tonight.

What do you guys think?

[Wally]

Depends how far worn down they are. If the pad bolts are exposed they will grind into the brake disk or drum. That could result in machining to true the disk/drum or if extensive, ruin the same.

I'd call a garage. Or double check with the Mister. We have 3 vehicles and each has different brake types, one has brand new brakes that squel pretty bad but only for a short time when wet or damp from morning dew.

The other car squeels but I can't hear it, wife can, mechanic said they were fine.

My truck was squeeling for a while (2 weeks)with no damage to disk or drum. They made another noise due to a tin cover-plate that is not critical and eventually wore off.

Again I'd call a good garage, you should be fine driving a day, but brakes are the most important safety device, next to the driver.

[Majorgrace2]

My van has started making a horrible grinding noise when I press the brakes. Obviously it is the brakes. My DH will be able to put on new ones this weekend.

In the meantime, is it safe to drive it? Will I be doing damage to something in there? I plan on getting it home tonight and parking it until he can fix them on Friday.

I just want to make sure I can get me and our 3 little girls home safely tonight.

What do you guys think?

The grinding noise happens when the breaking material has warned so as to expose the rivets and now contacts the disk or drum. If it has just started it will not affect you safely driving it. Be aware that the disk or drum is being damaged.

[chel0524]

Thanks for the input. I just wanted to make sure it was safe to drive today since I'm already here and all. It will be parked after we get home tonight until Friday when it can be fixed.