Grinding Noise When Driving Slowly: Causes
A grinding heard at low speed points to brakes or bearings. A Cranbourne West specialist explains.
What it usually means
A grinding at low speed is often brake-related — worn-out pads (metal-on-metal) or a stone caught in the brakes — or a failing wheel bearing (a rougher grind/rumble that changes with speed). A grinding that’s worst when braking points to the brakes; a constant grind that rises with speed points to a bearing.
When the grinding happens is the key clue.
What you should do
Get it checked promptly — metal-on-metal brakes ruin the discs and reduce braking, and a failing bearing is a safety item. Both are roadworthy fails.
We road-test and inspect the brakes and bearings to find the source.
How we find & fix it
Because the same symptom can have several causes, we use dealer-level diagnostics and a methodical check to pinpoint the real cause — rather than throwing parts at it.
You get a clear explanation and a fixed written quote before any work. Book online in 60 seconds or call 03 8782 0711.
Grinding Noise When Driving Slowly: Causes — FAQ
Often worn brake pads (metal-on-metal) or a stone in the brakes, or a failing wheel bearing.
Worst when braking = brakes; constant and rising with speed = bearing. We confirm.
Yes — metal-on-metal ruins discs and a failing bearing is a safety item. Both fail a roadworthy.
A road test and inspection of the brakes and bearings.
Related guides & services
Car doing something odd?
Trusted Cranbourne West car specialists — RACV-accredited, fixed written pricing. Book online or call 03 8782 0711.