Can brakes in a car just "go"?

Question

For about a month or so now, my car has been squeaking/screeching as I drive, and most especially when I brake(the squeaking started happening when I would brake, now it's constant). On top of that, my brakes have also been making a "grinding" sound for the past week.

My friends have been telling me stories about people they knew whose brakes just.. "went" on them. They just gave out, and they either got in accidents or close to it. Is this really possible?

Also, what is the possibility I only need my brake pads replaced, as opposed to completely new brakes? I'm planning on getting a new car soon, but while I save up, I have to deal with this one.. and I'd really prefer to put little to no money into it.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance

By the way - not selling the car. Not worth it.

I only "ignored" the problem because I had absolutely no money.. I did get my pads replaced a couple of months back. All of the noises started afterward..

Answer 1

I have had brakes just go on me, because a rusted brake line gave out. Had to shut the engine down leaving it in gear to get the car to stop in the shortest possible distance. Was very lucky that there was no one crossing at the red light I had to blow through. When I shut the engine down, I did not turn the key to lock my steering, I needed that to pull over to the side of the road. I did not have power to the steering either. When it happens it is one hairy experience.

I just replaced the front brakes on my wifes work vehicle. She let me use the truck last week and I hit the brakes and all I heard was grinding, metal against metal. The metal to metal grinding sound was from the pads worn down so much that the rivets were grinding grooves into the rotors. The grooves looked to me to be too deep to have the rotors turned to smooth the surface of the rotor. So I am replaced the rotors as well.
For me to replace the parts myself, it takes about $170.00 and a couple hours to replace, pads, rotors, packing inside/outside bearings with bearing grease and grease seals on both sides of the truck. The price may vary with your auto parts stores in your area.
If your rotors are not damaged too bad by the grinding of metal to metal, a well equiped garage can turn them usually for about 8-10.00 for each rotor. Call around for a price.
To have a garage do the work for you, you will get labor charges on top of the cost of parts. I suggest calling around your area for the best price you can get if you do not have someone who can do the job for you.

I would think bad brakes would reduce your trade-in value, or resale value.

Answer 2

If your brakes are grinding you will likely have to replace the rotors and pads. You're hearing metal on metal and gouging the rotors because there are no pads left. Your stopping ability is very limited at this stage. This is dangerous and should be fixed ASAP! Junk or sell the car "as is" and borrow a friends or ride the bus until you can afford another car.

Answer 3

The grinding sound is the pad that's worn down to the backing plate and is chewing up your rotors. Before this noise started you may have got by with just pads, which would have been gouged by the ridges in your rotors but would have worked for a while. Yes you can lose the brakes in an instant if you had enough travel in the pads and shoes that they wouldn't grab enough to stop.

Answer 4

Brakes can just go, but it would be a master cylinder problem. However, you can grind a rotor to nothing. In fact, you are probably facing a bigger repair job, way bigger, by not just getting new pads when you first heard the grinding. And you will have to get the brakes repaired before you can sell it at a decent price.

Answer 5

at first point of squeeling /screeching you should have started makin it to the shop and the parts store, and at that early stage yes just simple set brake pads been back on the road in not time now that you have ignored it for a month your rotars are screwed and most likely warped u will be repalcing pads on a 2 week basis now. they will not last no time. so you have just costed your self some money!!! never ignore anything like this not only does it cost more in long run but ignoring your brakes can kill you or more like some young inncent driver. driving a unsafe vehicle is just as bad as driving drunk.. so i am sorry but it costs to drive a car. and to mantain them but its much cheaer to fix the initial problem that to continue tio drive it.

Answer 6

In all probability you simply need new brake pads, but if this goes on too long the metal you currently hear "screeching" will wear into the disc & you will have to have both brake disc & pads replaced. On today's cars brakes seldom just go as you have both front & rear brake systems... when one goes you will notice a considerable reduction in braking & should get a "brake" light on your dash. Replacing brake pads is a simple operation if you have any mechanical ability.

Answer 7

If you don't want to have to replace the whole braking system (IE. pads and rotors) you need to get them changed now. Although, if you've been grinding for a month, it's probably too late and the rotors are now shot too.

Answer 8

Don't mess with brakes fix em right or don't drive the car you are putting yourself and everybody else on the road in danger. Take it in and spend the money if you cant do it yourself

Answer 9

brake pads are less than drum and yes they can go anytime when not kept up a couple of tools and atleast a 6 inch c-clamp is all you need use c-clamp to push slave back for new pads will fit.

Answer 10

better be checking the rotors and drums.if they are squeeking like you said,then they might be wearing down into the rotors or drums.if its on the front,then check the calipers,they might be stuck.