Brakes squealing and grinding

2014 TOYOTA RAV4
40,000 MILES
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I recently had a 30,000 mile checkup on my car (late, I know). I was told that my front brakes are at a 4 back and 8. so I realize my front brakes are close to needing attention. I don't drive my car a lot but noticed during a trip I took from Boise to SLC that the brakes were squeaking and grinding when I was driving around town. I made a note to have it checked when I returned but when I got home, the noise was gone. Once again, I don't do a lot of driving, but recently had house guests and when driving them around, noticed the brakes were squeaking again. Didn't have time to address it right then but noticed after I filled up my gas tank, the brakes stopped grinding. In looking back; I have only heard the sound when my gas tank is really low. Does this make sense? Could it be something other than my brakes?
Aug 6, 2020 at 11:50 AM
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KASEKENNY
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The fact that you tend to hear when the gas is low doesn't make sense as they clearly don't have anything to do with each other. So I would think this is more of a coincidence then it being related.

As for the noise, I suspect this is possible one of two things. First there is some dirt or contamination on the pads or rotors that you are hearing make a grinding noise or it s the wear indicators on the pads that start to make a little noise as you get close to needing replacement pads. If you are only hearing the noise when you press the brakes then that is what I suspect. If it were me, I would let it go until you are ready to replace the front pads and rotors or if it gets worse.

Here is a guide that will help with most common grinding noises. Let me know if it does this when pressing the brakes only and we can go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/vehicle-grinding-noise
Aug 6, 2020 at 2:02 PM
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Thank you so much for your prompt reply-very helpful!
Aug 8, 2020 at 11:51 AM
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STRAILER
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KASEKENNY1 is one of our best! Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Aug 8, 2020 at 11:51 AM