Harley

I'm new to this forum and was very glad to find it. I'm having a problem with my 2003 Denali that I wonder if someone else has experienced, and what they've done about it.

I bought the car brand new, but after putting just a few thousand miles on it started experiencing an annoying brake noise. It happens only when the brakes are warm and when I'm "feathering" the brake pedal (as if to maintain speed down a hill or in gradually slowing in freeway traffic).
It's not a squeek, but more a vibration in the pads/rotors that gets so loud that other drivers have turned to see what the noise is.

I've taken it back to the dealer twice and they say the pads and rotors are fine. Yesterday, they pulled a GM Bulletin which explained that brake noise is normal because of the metallic pads used on these cars.

I have asked that they install new brake pads (our 2002 Yukon, with supposedly similar pads, experienced no such problem) but they are balking.

Anyone else run into this? Any suggestions?

GMMerlin

Your vehicle is under warranty and there is no reason why you should have to put up with that.
My recomendation is to take it to another dealer. Take your reciepts with you and talk to the service manager and see if they came resolve your problem.

Is this vibration one that you hear or can you feel it?
If you can feel it, it might be that the rotors are slightly warped and need to be resurfaced.

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Harley

I hear only the noise. There is no vibration or feeling that would indicate a rotor problem. As for the car being under warranty, the dealership made it clear that brake pads are exempt from that and any work would be at my own cost.

I told them that's not acceptable and I called GM's consumer hotline. They are running this through the regional office and I'm supposed to hear back by mid-week if they will install new pads.

GMMerlin

If your brakes are worn down causing the problem than they are right. Brake linings are a wear item and are not covered under warranty.
The bulletin is correct, some noise from high metallic concetration pads is normal. This issue has been going on for years in trying to find a friction compound that provides superior brake feel, longevity and noise reduction.
At the dealer I work for, we have replaced pads under warranty for noise issues to insure customer satisfaction.

__________________
Why do you never have enough time or money to do the job right the first time, but enough time and money to do it again?
Got all the certifications
25 years ASE Certified Master Technician
GM WCT
Yea..I work at a DEALERSHIP....got a problem with that?

Want to diagnose cars like the Pros? FOR SALE: OTC Perception 2 channel Labscope (badged as a Matco Reality)
This is my personal labscope that I use to diagnose waveforms, like new, comes with leads and training video
PM Me for details

Harley

The dealer had decided to replace the front brake pads. The current pads have very little wear, according to the last two inspections they did on it.

They did tell us that the metallic-compound pads are prone to noise but, again, I doubt it should be this noisy. Our last two Yukons never had this problem, and a family member with an identical Denali to ours doesn't have it.

Thanks for your help. I'll let you know if the new pads solve anything.