Blog · March 23, 2026
Why Is My Car Making a Grinding Noise?
When the grinding happens tells you a lot. Braking, turning, shifting or constant with speed each point to a different part of the car.
Grinding when you brake
This is the most common one. Worn-out pads let the backing plate contact the rotor, and every stop makes the damage worse. Stop driving it hard and get the brakes measured.
Grinding that changes with speed
A growl or hum that gets louder as you speed up, and changes when you sway the car side to side, usually points to a wheel bearing. Bearings do not fix themselves and they are a safety item.
Grinding when you turn
Popping or grinding on tight turns often means a CV joint, especially if the boot is torn and grease has been slung around the inside of the wheel.
Grinding when shifting
In a manual, that is usually clutch or synchro wear. In an automatic, harsh grinding or clunking on shifts is a reason to have the transmission checked before it gets expensive.
Do not wait it out
Grinding is one of the few noises that reliably means metal on metal. Whatever the source, the repair cost goes up the longer it runs. Bring it to us on E Tilghman St and we will find it.
Need this looked at?
We handle brake repair for drivers across Allentown, Bethlehem and the greater Lehigh Valley.
Brake Repair in Allentown, PA →Location & hours
1316 E Tilghman St
Allentown, PA 18109
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Sunday Closed