Advice requested please - slight scraping sound when driving

[2robbie2]

Dear all

I went for a short drive last night and I started to hear an intermittent slight scraping sound (happened again this morning) - it sounds like it's coming from the wheel area. At first I just thought this might be the brake pads, but I had these replaced with Honda OEM ones at 31,000 miles in mid 2024 and I'm now only at 45,000 miles (69 plate), so though it unlikely that it's them. I did nonetheless have a look at the brake pad behind the steel wheel on the driver's side, but it's difficult to make out (although it does look to be a bit on the slim side).

The scraping sound (not a screeching sound) doesn't just come on when I'm braking - it seems to come in and out intermittently. I know the discs will need replacing as they have a bit of a lip on them (they are the original's);- could it be these? Or could it be something else? Otherwise, the car seems to be driving and braking fine. I am just awaiting the garage to call me back now.

Many thanks in advance.

[dvhttn]

I would still check the brake pads. I know you said they haven't been on there long but a) different pad makes wear differently and b) if they're being held slightly on (maybe the caliper needs cleaning up) that'll make the pads wear quicker.
Of course there could be some grit trapped in the pads. Try reversing and touch the brakes slightly to drag out the grit the way it came in. Works sometimes.

[2robbie2]

Many thanks - will do - I've just searched the website and this appears to have happened lots of times to others, with the following answers:-

1) Stone lodged between back plate and disc:

2) Backing plate behind disc slightly bent and touching the rotor:

3) Cowl part of the back plate scraping the back of the hub (is maybe the same as 2 above):

4) Sticking brake piston:

5) Wheel bearing.

For the benefit of everyone, I'll clarify here once I know, but any other ideas would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

[ColinB]

Another possibility is the brake wear indicator. This is a small metal tab which makes contact with the disc when the pads have worn down sufficiently, and the result is a scraping noise. It’s an early warning that the pads need attention.

[2robbie2]

Hi - yes - forgot about that - very good call.

Many thanks

[DavidP]

I had the scraping sound whilst on holiday.  Found to be badly warn brake discs.  Surprised brake wear  indicator not shown on instrument pack.

[2robbie2]

Hi - Thanks for feedback. As it so happens, the scraping sound stopped the following morning and the Honda specialist I spoke to said it was very likely a stone that had subsequently dislodged itself (I haven't heard it since).

The reason I am doubtful it was the brake pads was because the original brake pads lasted 31,000 miles (5 years) and I replaced them with Honda OEM brake pads only 20 months ago which have since covered some 14,000 miles.