Grinding Sound When Braking
 

I have a really bad grinding sound when I am braking. I checked the front breaks and rotors and noticed both axles needed to be replaced. I replaced them thinking this was the source of the grinding sound. The rotors are smooth and the breaks are still thick enough I think to not need replacement.

The grinding sound can be heard when I drive at speeds below 30 MPH.

What might I the neophyte mechanic might have missed?

Car: 1997 Honda Civic LX four doors.

Thanks, in advance

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

The REAR brakes?

Did you examine all 4 brake pads?

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

I only checked the front not the rear drums. What would I see if this is making such a terrible sound from the rear brakes?

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

Is the grind sound coming from the front, or the rear?
Your first post never said which.

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

It sounds like it is from the front.

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

Backing plate rubbing on rotor?

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

The inner brake pads, highly unlikely you can diagnose how thick the pads are. On my 02, had a bit of uneven wear, and the inner pads were wearing much faster than the outer, resulting in a terrible grinding noise.

It's just 2 14mm (I think, at least, for the size) bolts holding the caliper on. Remove and do a physical inspection of the pads. Alternatively, if the grinding is that bad, there could be metal on metal (i.e. backing plate and rotor) contact (like ezone suggested) and there'd likely be visible damage to the inner surface of the rotor. Pull the wheel and run your finger on the backside of the rotor. If it feels anything but nice and smooth, you pretty much got your answer.

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

Upon further inspection it was the back part of the driver side front brake. The part difficult to see towards the engine for the beginner mechanics. I replaced the rotor on the driver side only. Because of the uneven wear I wonder if I have drag and something else is failing?http://mo-de.net/d/brakes.png

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

Wear indicator tab (squealer) has broken off, that means it was trying to tell you it's worn out for some time while the squeal noise was ignored (turned the radio up?)

How do the other 3 pads look?
Slide pins are free, not stuck?
Other 3 pads are freely movable, not stuck in the bracket?

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

My experience, slide pins lacking grease is the culprit.

Re: Grinding Sound When Braking
 

Thanks everyone for the help. I replaced the rotors, brakes and calipers. All is well now.