GA_googleFillSlot("Forums_ROS_300x250_noad");I have a 2000 blazer. The drivers side rear wheel is making a metal to metal grinding noise when i apply the brakes. I just replaced the rear brakes less than a year ago and when i took the tire off to inspect the pads they looked ok. could there be some other problem of why it is making that noise? Also when i drive off slowly i can hear the metal rubbing then too. It has 4 wheel disk brakes and is 4x4. Could my piston in the caliper be stuck or broke or is it maybe something else? I never heard the high pitched squeal the pads are supposed to make when they need replaced either. Please help me diagnose and fix this problem...Thanks i would really appreciate it alot..

The rotor could be rusted in areas and giving that grinding sound when it contacts the pads. Sometimes they get a rim or groove of rust around them being exposed to the elements. This has happened alot with rear disc brakes, in my experience.

Thanks for the response, when i inspected the problem today i didnt notice any rust on the rotor. I sprayed brake dust cleaner in there and that still didnt solve the problem. could it be my caliper sticking maybe, or could it have something to do with bearings. Just keeps making a grinding metal to metal sound when brakes are applied and when i start to drive slowly i can hear what seems to be a metal rubbing sound as the wheel turns. I am not really good with brake problems so i am puzzled what it could be. its only the drivers side rear wheel. should i replace my rotor and if so both sides?? The pads look ok at least the outer one does couldnt really see the inner one too good...thanks

Check your pads for the parking brake. The rotor needs to be removed to get to the pads. Here is a link to a online service manual:

http://www.oplin.org/databases/proxy2/proxy.php?qurl=http%3a%2f%2farrc.epnet.com%2fautoa sp%2fframerq.asp

enter 123456789 in the library card slot, submit> submit the library it shows, scroll down to AUTO REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER, click on it and yoour in.

It shows the procedure to take apart and install.

Good Luck

pads look ok at least the outer one does couldnt really see the inner one too good...thanks

Since you said that, I would bet the inner pad is used up. And if it's grinding then you'll need the rotor also. It's always best to do brake repair in pairs, so I'd do both rears.

With disc brakes, if the inboard pad wears faster than the outboard pad, the caliper piston is binding. If the outboard pad wears faster than the inboard pad, the hardware is binding.

When servicing GM S&T body vehicles with rear disc brakes, if you replace the pads and not the calipers, the caliper pistons will eventually bind in the bores of the caliper. It may or may not happen right away, but it will happen, guaranteed! Most auto parts stores have remanufactured loaded calipers. They come with all of the hardware, the pads, and the mounting bracket. Bolt 'em on and bleed 'em, end of problem.