For $100 dollars....GUESS THAT SQUEAK!!!

Bowhunt24 · May 4, 2006

There needs to be a whole page dedicated to "whats that noise?" threads!!

Okay, like the title says...for $100.....While driving I get a squeak....squeak....squeak.....and if you tap on the brakes it goes away. Sounds just like when brake pads are starting to wear down, but in this case the pads are fine. I'm pretty sure it makes the noise at all speeds, but you can just hear it when you're going slow. Its really high pitched and annoying...especially in parking garages and drive-throughs!!!! Any ideas on what it is??

*disclaimer* 100 dollar prize money will be paid out in 1 increments for the next 100 years.

Rick · May 4, 2006

I get a hundred bucks for dirty brake pads??

That's what usually makes that type of noise.

Keep the hundred

gijoecam · May 4, 2006

A warped brake rotor combined with a bad caliper, combined with dirt. If stepping on the brakes makes it go away, it's either a brake or a hub, and a hub won't go away when you step on the brakes.

Brakes. That's my final answer.

-Joe

Bowhunt24 · May 4, 2006

visual inspection on the brake pads looked okay, no obvoius build up or anything....

Send me your info I'll make sure to put you on the 1 a year for 100 years program for winning the grand prize!! LOL

Bowhunt24 · May 4, 2006

thanks Joe, just had my hubs replaced, so I doubt its them...I know it HAS to be the breaks since the noise goes away when you get on 'em. Just not sure what the problem is...tire shop just said breaks look fine, and plenty of pad left...maybe a sitcky caliper? that happened on my cherokee once..but it stuck BAD!! to the point where the rotor was glowing red hot! That was a bad day

Rick · May 4, 2006

Remove the pads and scuff them up with some sandpaper. Blast them with some brake cleaner and reinstall... That may take care of it.

IZwack · May 4, 2006

Maybe you have one of these

gijoecam · May 4, 2006

Oh, now you want us to troubleshoot it too??? That's gonna cost extra!

It's probably two things. First, the rotor is warped. Second, the caliper is sticking ever-so-slightly to one side. It's generally the outer pad that rubs, and the caliper slide pins are not floating freely. If it was mine, take the caliper off, re-lube the slide pins with a good synthetic grease, and re-machine or replace the rotor as necessary.

-Joe

Kadahaf · May 4, 2006

does this happen when you turn the wheel? it happens on mine also, it's probably some of the bushings in the front

Bowhunt24 · May 5, 2006

No, I think joe and rick are on the right path...I'll do what you guys suggested this weekend. Always better to start with the easy fixes than to just start throwing money at a noise!! Thanks for all the good info guys!!!!!

PS, I will be getting my elite membership next payday!!! I'm stoked to load my own avatar....i guess.....

gijoecam · May 5, 2006

Kadahaf said:
does this happen when you turn the wheel? it happens on mine also, it's probably some of the bushings in the front

The bushings don't move when you're driving straight ahead over flat ground. They're not the problem.

-Joe

Chew_12 · May 5, 2006

IZwack said:
Maybe you have one of these

Someone has photoshop

marragtop · May 6, 2006

Do you know which side it's coming from? If so, maybe switch the pads and slide pins and see if the noise follows them.

old mechanic · May 6, 2006

I'm thinking its not the brake pads themselfs because they should not be touching anything to make them squeek without applying the brakes. Look for something that is making the pads hit the rotor. (#1)Sticky caliper, warped rotor, bad slide pins, worn bearings? I don't know i'm just a,
Old Mechanic.

mcnulty6807 · March 3, 2008

??

Did you ever find out what it was?

I have the same noise on my Explorer, and have had it for three to four years after multiple pad changes. I have never changed the calipers which I think I may try.

Vinniety · March 3, 2008

mcnulty6807 said:
Did you ever find out what it was?

I have the same noise on my Explorer, and have had it for three to four years after multiple pad changes. I have never changed the calipers which I think I may try.

Calipers are not a cheap and esy thing to change. I have to say what the others stated about pads or warped calipers. You have changed the pads from what you stated but did you ever change out your rotors?

mcnulty6807 · March 3, 2008

I did yes, usually new rotors every two pad change...does this sound right?

What makes Calipers so difficult to change? it seems like you would just remove the break lines, attach they to the new calipers, bold them on, and bleed the lines... then again I have never tried.

Walnut777 · March 3, 2008

Here's my story. I bought my 96 Explorer 2 years ago. I immediately start replacing stuff. I change the brake pads all the way around. The auto part store tries to sell me the contact grease as usual and as usual I deny them. Until after a few days I could not stand the schreeching and squealing. I ripped the pads back off applied the contact grease and the noise was gone for good!

Glen4X4 · March 3, 2008

Never heard of using grease on brakes.

ozark705 · March 3, 2008

for what it's worth, "sounds" like a similar problem i had with a "noise" coming from my right front wheel. squeaking noise, goes away when touching the brakes. thought it was pads, calipers, warped rotor, etc. local mechanic finally diagnosed it as a "bad" ball joint, he replaced bushing, ball joint, and upper radius arm and the noise was gone. i don't know if you can tell which wheel (R or L or Both), but its worth a shot. good luck :thumbsup:

For $100 dollars....GUESS THAT SQUEAK!!!

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