What should I do if I hear a rubbing noise from rear wheel when driving? Is it because something is touching the rear wheel? How can I repair it? We will answer all such questions in this blog.
A rubbing noise from rear wheel when driving could be due to many reasons. The most common ones are wheel bearings, brake drums, dragging parking brakes, and damaged wheels. If you prefer to have it looked at in person, a certified technician can diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
Your vehicles are a symphony of noises and movement thanks to their many moving elements. You know what noises are typical for your automobile and what sounds are unusual. Strange noises are your car’s way of alerting you to a problem that requires immediate care.
You know it’s time to pay attention when you hear a strange crunching sound coming from under your vehicle. Rubbing noise from the rear wheel when driving is frequently connected with spinning parts and systems.
Any rotating part or system can cause grinding noises. If your car begins to make grinding noises, don’t wait to have it looked out; get it fixed before it becomes a worse problem.
What Are The Causes Of The Scraping/Rubbing Noises Heard When Driving?
The following problems can generate scraping noises while driving or turning:
- Unevenly worn or rusty rotors or worn-out brake pads are sometimes the reason behind scratching or rubbing noises when you drive your vehicle.
- If the dust shield is worn and has moved closer to the brake rotor, you can hear an unusual rubbing noise when driving.
- Wheel bearings that are loose, worn, broken, or failing sometimes produce the rubbing noise.
- Suspension parts that are worn or failing are also responsible for this unpleasant noise.
How The Brakes Can Cause A Grinding Noise
When driving, rubbing noise from the rear wheel is frequently caused by disc brake discs and drum brake shoes. When the brake linings or the friction material on the brakes gets worn out, and the rotor starts touching the metallic backing of the brake pad, grinding noises occur. When the brakes are engaged, metal-to-metal contact surfaces, resulting in a grinding noise.
Brake service or brake repair on the complex set of pads is all that is required to fix grinding brakes. The grinding is usually a loud noise that only occurs when your brake pedal is pressed, making the diagnosis a breeze. The grinding noise is generally due to the front or rear brakes.
How Your Wheel Bearings Can Make A Grinding Noise
Wheel or hub bearings act as a buffer between the axle and the wheel, which helps in reducing friction. Wheel bearing failure can cause poor steering and control and uneven tire wear. A grinding noise might be possible while rotating the car if the wheel bearings are worn.
Other Culprits That Produce Rubbing Or Grinding Noise
If the grinding noises aren’t coming from the brakes or hub bearings, it’s time to look into other parts causing the problem.
- Water pump: While the engine operates, a failed water pump can make a grinding noise. Your automobile can overheat if it doesn’t have a completely functional water pump. If you suspect your water pump is not working correctly, make an appointment with your mechanic to avoid further issues or damage to your car.
- CV joint: If your constant velocity (CV) joint is worn out, it can cause your car to produce grinding noises especially when you slowly turn on tight corners.
- Alternator: Grinding noises may indicate that the alternator is failing. A failed alternator responsible for charging your car’s battery and powering the electrical system might leave you stranded on the roadside with a dead battery. Modern alternators use a decoupler pulley arrangement that saves fuel but can produce a grinding noise that is difficult to locate.
Causes Of Vibration And Grinding Noise When Braking
One of the most integral and essential features of any car is the brakes. While it’s crucial to address any engine issues that arise, it could be argued that brake issues are even more essential because they determine whether or not your vehicle will stop.
A hydraulic system controls the brakes at each side of your car. It’ll most likely be a disc brake, but it may also be a drum brake.
When you press the brake pedal, front-wheel brakes slow the vehicle down more than the rear wheel brakes. This is because when you apply the brakes, the car’s weight pulls forward.
Worn Brake Pads
If you notice a grinding sound when you press down on the brake pedal, your brake pads may be wearing out. Metal comes into touch with the metal just on the rotor when the backing sheet loses its substance. It’s also possible that the brake caliper is coming into contact with the rotor.
When your brake pads wear out, you should replace them as soon as possible. Your brakes could be seriously damaged if the pads are not replaced, regardless of which one it is. The backing plate can also harm your rotor and causes damage and grooves. The caliper will then be subjected to the same treatment as the rotor.
Bad Quality Brake Pads
Don’t cut corners by buying the lowest brake pads you can locate. Cutting corners on brake pads can mean a near-miss and a destroyed vehicle with significant casualties.
Cheaper brake pads are made with poor materials, they may have metallic pieces in the pads, and they can cause severe damage to the rotor of your wheel. Never buy cheap brake pads.
Worn Shims
You must change the shims. If you have a brake job, replace brake pads yourself. A portion of the shim might be touching metallic components or the rotor of your brakes. Bad mechanics may try to dodge this if you want your job done quickly, so make sure they replace them.
Why Is My Car Making A Scraping Noise?
Scraping noise can be terrible if you are driving a car with this issue. It is unpleasant for the ears and also for the passerby. It is also a matter of concern for your vehicle and your safety. Before you find a solution for this problem, it is imperative to diagnose it first. The scraping noise can come due to various reasons:
- Scraping noise while applying brakes: If your car’s brakes are producing scraping noise, this may be due to the broken or worn-out brake pads. Brake pads are made of rubber, and once this rubber wears off, the metal part gets exposed and rubs to the rotor, which produces the scraping noise. The scraping noise can also be due to the cheap quality brake pads. In all three cases, all you need to do is get new brake pads.
- Scraping noise when accelerating the car: damaged wheel bearing, deteriorated transmission or timing belt, or worn brake pads. These issues can produce a scraping noise while accelerating the vehicle. For these issues, all you need to do is take your car to a professional mechanic and get the parts serviced or replaced.
- Scraping noise from the wheel while driving: If the wheel is producing the scraping noise, check for stuck debris around the brakes. You can either remove it manually or drive the car in reverse and press the brake gently to get off the stuck debris. If this doesn’t work, take your vehicle to a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What Causes Grooves in Brake Rotors
When your car is braking a lot (for example when you are in heavy traffic), the brakes tend to get hot. Sometimes they can get so hot that the metal in the brakes can start to melt. This molten metal will create grooves in the braking pads.
Braking pads will not melt because they are made of substances like asbestos and ceramics, which are heat resistant. But the molten metal will create grooving.
#2. Why Are Brembo Brakes So Good?
Brembo brakes have several special features that make them the darling of auto lovers everywhere. They have excellent design and form, and their fixed calipers are a cherry on top.
They offer residual torque benefits to cars and can lower your fuel usage. This will obviously also lower emissions. Since the frictional coefficient of these brakes is low, the braking torque is also lower.
#3. What causes a grinding noise from rear wheel when driving?
There can be two main causes for a grinding noise: Either your brake linings have become worn out, or the hub bearings are failing. You need to look at your rear wheel carefully and correct the problem, depending on which one it is.
A Few Final Words
There can be many types of unusual noises coming from your vehicle. Some noises might need immediate attention, while some can be taken care of later. Whatever the case be, it is always better to get the servicing to be done on time and regularly.
Thank you for reading, you might also like to read: What to Do if Rear Wheel Locks up When Turning?