car question.

Bug-Eyed Earl · Post by **Bug-Eyed Earl** » 2003-05-26 01:00am

When I bring my car to a halt, I hear a grinding sound as I step on the brakes. Not every time, but about 2/3 of the time. I'm going to take my car in to get looked at, but in the meantime, does anyone have any idea what it might be? Just so I can stop wondering (just a little) about the price.

Darth Yoshi · Post by **Darth Yoshi** » 2003-05-26 01:04am

It could be that your brake pads have worn out. Of course, I don't even have a license yet, so you shouldn't take my word for it. *shrugs*

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2003-05-26 02:17am

Worn pads usually will cause more of a screeching metal-to-metal sound. That said, I'd check the pads first because its quick and easy to both check and fix. Beyond that, rotor damage (runout or wear) and suspension problems could manifest themselves as this mysterious noise.

Replacing your entire front-end brake system would cost no more than $150 parts, and I'd be astonished if that were necessary. I'd guess total bill would be less than $200.

Hyperion · Post by **Hyperion** » 2003-05-26 03:03am

Also check the bearings, if they are worn, they can cause a grinding noise.

And as howedar said, get the front end suspension (struts, shocks, springs, etc.) checked.

EmperorMing · Post by **EmperorMing** » 2003-05-26 05:50am

All I can say is there has been good information provided.

Of course, I will say the main culprit is brakes.

Boba Fett · Post by **Boba Fett** » 2003-05-26 07:45am

If it only gives a grinding noise then it's probably the it's one of the springs.

And if it's one of the springs, that means your whole suspension system must be checked.
The easiest way to check the dampers: push your car from the front horizontally and count the rocks till full stop. If it's more than two than buy new dampers.

Of course they can still performance well but the brake-linings will be used more dynamically.

The other thing is check your brake-linings, maybe they're too dusty.
That can cause also a very irritating noise.

Zoink · Post by **Zoink** » 2003-05-26 09:35am

My old car, a 1988 Accord had a rusted suspension. You could bounce the car up and down and hear that scrunching sound, eventually had to replace most of it. I've had 3 bearings fail on a car, those make a loud reving noise that changes depending on your speed.

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2003-05-26 02:33pm

Boba Fett wrote:The easiest way to check the dampers: push your car from the front horizontally and count the rocks till full stop. If it's more than two than buy new dampers.

The bounce test is notoriously unreliable. The only real way to check shocks is to dismount them from the vehicle and move them by hand through their full travel, feeling for dead spots.

The other thing is check your brake-linings, maybe they're too dusty.
That can cause also a very irritating noise.

Dust doesn't tend to be a problem on disc brakes.

Bug-Eyed Earl · Post by **Bug-Eyed Earl** » 2003-06-11 08:17pm

Well, here's an update: It cost me 300 bucks to get it fixed. But the local Firestone was going to do the same repairs that my most trusted garage was going to do for 470. So Firestone can kiss my ass.

I didn't have quite enough when it came time to pay, so I won't get my car back until payday, that being tomorrow. I will have had my car in the shop for a week, and thank God! I'm starting to go stir crazy, being stuck in the house on my days off.

Nathan F · Post by **Nathan F** » 2003-06-11 09:01pm

What was the problem?

Bug-Eyed Earl · Post by **Bug-Eyed Earl** » 2003-06-11 09:08pm

I have the bill Firestone gave me.

BASIC BRAKE JOB FRONT
BRAKE SYSTEM FLUSH-FLUID
BRAKE SYSTEM-FLUSH LABOR
5324 BRAKE ROTOR
Brake Shoes, rear
BASIC BRAKE JOB REAR DRUM.

Which added up to about 450.

I'm not good with cars, but I know when to get a second opinion. I got all that done for considerably less.

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2003-06-11 10:25pm

You should have told them to stuff the rear brake job.

Larz · Post by **Larz** » 2003-06-12 12:35am

You wore the breaks basically. But only 2/3 of the time, usually early break wear indicators will make a squeeling noise every time you break (or at least break in a non-very subtle way). Grinding noises could be all the above listed or break dust between the pad and the rotor which is easily fixed with some break parts cleaner...

Stampede · Post by **Stampede** » 2003-06-12 01:57am

i had a 64 Galaxy a while back and when i was driving it one day...the brakes went completely out. that was fun.