my Toyota Corolla E140 (2006-2013) is making a grinding noise when I brake what could it be

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools and parts needed for the repair.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety gear including gloves and goggles.

2. Lift the Vehicle

• Sub-steps:
  1. Use a jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle depending on which brakes are affected.
  2. Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure stability.
• Tools Required: Hydraulic jack, jack stands.

3. Remove Wheel

• Sub-steps:
  1. Loosen the lug nuts using a lug wrench.
  2. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
• Tools Required: Lug wrench.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Sub-steps:
  1. Remove the brake caliper by unbolting it from the bracket.
  2. Slide the caliper off the brake pads.
  3. Inspect the brake pads for wear; if they are worn down to the metal, replace them.
  4. Install new brake pads, ensuring they are properly aligned in the caliper bracket.
  5. Reattach the brake caliper over the new pads and torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench.
• Parts Required: Brake pads.

5. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• Sub-steps:
  1. Check the brake rotors for any visible damage such as scoring or warping.
  2. If needed, remove the rotor by unbolting it from the hub.
  3. Replace with new rotors if damage is present or if they are below the minimum thickness.
  4. Reinstall the new rotor and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench.
• Parts Required: Brake rotors.

6. Reassemble and Lower Vehicle

• Sub-steps:
  1. Replace the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts.
  2. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the hydraulic jack.
  3. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications in a crisscross pattern.
• Tools Required: Lug wrench, hydraulic jack.