Wheel Screeching

[pureliquidhw]

I was on the interstate today and i started to hear some violent screeching coming from the driver side of my car (couldn't tell if it was the front or back). It was the same frequency no matter what the speed was, but it did get louder as i went faster. Also, the noise disappeared when i applied my brakes. It started out only at 20mph or faster but as I pulled into a parking lot it was noticeable at all speeds.

I let the car sit for 10 minutes and then the noise went away. But as I was driving in my parking garage a few hours later it came back.

Possible things:

CV Joint
bearings
brakes
???

Has anyone encountered this? Any ideas for a quick fix (like replacing the brakes) or is this common and I need to re-grease the bearings?

Any help will be appreciated!

 

[lanny709]

if it's a higher pitch squeak its most likely a caliper locked up.. in which case get her fixed asap. it'll end up tearing up the pads and rotor.

 

[pureliquidhw]

do i need to replace the caliper? Or can i take it off and somehow clean it. what would cause it to lock up?

 

[lanny709]

usually when they sieze that's it no fixing but if you're handy give it a shot. Just rust and dust over time causes it. somewhat of a normal problem. the only thing is once one goes the others MAY soon follow so keep an eye out.

 

[TropicalDelight]

if it just started its most likely the brake wear indicators, you have some time before you will do rotor damage but i would get it checked out soon.

 

[pureliquidhw]

i took the wheels off and the pads and rotors are fine (no excessive wear) on all 4 corners.

I guess I could replace the pads and rotors, but i'd rather not throw 200 at the car if I don't need to. Hmm.

 

[Dpwhitehead1]

i took the wheels off and the pads and rotors are fine (no excessive wear) on all 4 corners.

I guess I could replace the pads and rotors, but i'd rather not throw 200 at the car if I don't need to. Hmm.

idk why the hell you think it'd cost 200.00 .. lol.. pads cost like 20.00 and rotors might cost 20 each.. anyways.. did you check the rear of the rotor? check the rear to see if the back pad is wearing quicker than the front pad.. this happens often.. so you could just not really see it unless you REALLY look at it.

hope it helps! good luck!

 

[pureliquidhw]

Would it be intermittent if it was the pad backing on the rotor? I would think it would screech all the time. Where can you get solid parts that cheap? For low grade parts @ retail (25 per pad set * 2) + (30 per rotor * 4) + (15 per parts kit * 2) = 200 bonez.

But yeah, After meditating on the subject and thinking about the locked caliper, it could be a rusty dirty bolt and the pad is sticking(?) I'll pull it apart this weekend. I just hope it is the brakes.

Just to make sure i'm listening for the right noises for the right problem:
CV joint = click/chirp
bearings = grinding/gravel
brakes = screech

 

[Dpwhitehead1]

Would it be intermittent if it was the pad backing on the rotor? I would think it would screech all the time. Where can you get solid parts that cheap? For low grade parts @ retail (25 per pad set * 2) + (30 per rotor * 4) + (15 per parts kit * 2) = 200 bonez.

But yeah, After meditating on the subject and thinking about the locked caliper, it could be a rusty dirty bolt and the pad is sticking(?) I'll pull it apart this weekend. I just hope it is the brakes.

Just to make sure i'm listening for the right noises for the right problem:
CV joint = click/chirp
bearings = grinding/gravel
brakes = screech

yeah that sounds about right...

i go to advance auto, or like napa.. or maybe even ebay..

 

[pureliquidhw]

Do the expensive pads really make a difference? Do i need a warranty on the rotor? I've always had a beater so this is the first time I've cared enough to ask... Googling now, but would like your opinion as well

 

[Dpwhitehead1]

Do the expensive pads really make a difference? Do i need a warranty on the rotor? I've always had a beater so this is the first time I've cared enough to ask... Googling now, but would like your opinion as well

hmm..

most parts places warrant their stuff for defects and stuff... and some pads do make a difference from squeeking and such..

i know a buddy of mine with a WRX got ebay pads/rotors all 4, for like 200.. and they don't produce much dust, and don't squeek, AND they're cross drilled/slotted...so they're upgraded.

 

[pureliquidhw]

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

Amazon link for Satisfied brand brakes. Never heard of them but 35 bucks for ceramics seems solid. Tire-rack reviews of the pads say nothing bad. Anyone heard anything bad about them? would they be any worse than 25 buck cheapos @ retail?

 

[APutvinskiMP5]

hey i actually encountered the same problem the other day, it was a high screeching at random times in drive, but it was constant in reverse, even when not pressin on the brakes. It turned out there was nothing left of my brake pads and the calipers were braking on the rotors causing slight damage to them. My advice would be when you take it apart try and see if the calipers are damaging your rotors, either way the sooner its fixed the better. good luck, and keep us posted

 

[pureliquidhw]

the noise mine made was only when the brakes weren't pressed. weird though. I didn't even think to look for caliper contact. that would make sense since when I hit the brakes the caliper could be "pushing" off. I ordered bremo rotors and the ceramic pads from amazon. 118 for all the pads and the front bremo rotors (30 a pop for rotors delivered is not bad, especially for brand name). I'll obviously report back on the Satisfied ceramics.

Do you still use brake goop on the ceramics? I'm assuming yes since it is a silicone lubricant it would help regardless of the friction compound.

Thanks again for the help everyone. Now if only my headlights matched...

 

[GolerDude]

I HAD THIS PROBLEM TWICE!! It was the same thing both times as well. It was the rear driver side caliper and it wasnt releasing fully causing the constant squeaking. I was so pissed the second time it happened cuz i just got it fixed a year ago. So I just got it fixed two days ago so I hope it holds. I went aftermarket and got it for 120.00 because mazda canada wanted 460.00!!!!! for one caliper!!! screw that!

 

[pureliquidhw]

Good news is I'm not the only one I guess... Did you need to replace the caliper both times? Could i just get a rebuild kit? Perhaps there is som e contamination in the brake lines and it needs to be bled? Brake calipers are pretty simple so I can't imagine that, unless it was warped, it would be hard to fix. I'll take a look at it next weekend and report back.

 

[BlackCherry]

I have the same problem right now, I was going to look at it today when I was doing my tire change but I didn't have much time and the tires were a pain to take off cause neither of the 2 previous owners bothered to change the tires once, so the bead of the tire literally checked into pieces as I was taking it off the rim.

But is the caliper really a common reason in our car? Cause I'm pretty sure that my rear drivers side tire is the problem wheel

 

[pureliquidhw]

I took some more time to look at it this weekend, and there is a noticeable rubbing sound when i move the car (in neutral with my head next to the tire.)

What sucks is that a rebuild kit for the rear brake calipers from the dealer is 60 bucks. all it is is a few bolts and seals. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to get that?

 

[williedoc]

Can anything be done to prevent a frozen brake caliper?

 

[Hockey_star104]

i have a similar problem aswell. only screeches while turning the wheel to the right ( front driver side wheel). can be an inch or a full turn and screech screech screech as the car wheel spins/turns . notice it at slow speeds about 30KM or slower. also sound goes away when applying brakes. any ideas? you guys think its the caliper too? its funny since it only happens while turning right.(notcool)