Brakes Grinding

I replaced my pads and rotors on my '03 three months ago and intermittently I get a grinding noise coming from the front as if they were metal to metal. When you take the tires out and check the pads...they have so much meat on them as if they were just installed.

What the f@ck is going on? I've had this thing in the shop 4 times.

My pads do this occasionally on my 03 Malibu, especially when I am first driving or if I have been driving them really hard and have gotten them really hot. As far as I can tell, they are working and wearing normally and there is no problem.

If my theory is correct, that's the sound the brakes make when ABS is engaged. When I brake hard enough, it makes that grinding noise. I've never had any problems with my brakes, so I'm sure it's normal.

the brakes on our 01 mablibu grind all the time

Sounds like poor design again. That noise is annoying! I'm not buying another Malibu after this one I tell you that. I may go the import route.

My rotors are brand new and need to be machined.

Sound to me like the back of the pads might be grinding against the calipers. Try using anti-squeel compond on the backs of the pads. (It is a rubber like substance that acts as a buffer between the parts. Worked for me! Very quiet indeed.

I agree with the last post. If you are using the anti-squeel plate, it is probably rubbing up against the rotor when applying brakes. Also check the brakes that hold the calipers on the brake mounts.

guys come on!!! intermittent grinding noise is the hub bearing. I replace these things severals times a week on N- and W- bodies (similar horrible design. ) granted if it's only first thing in the morning or after the car has sat for several hours some minor surface rust could have built up, but around 50% of the brake NVH evaluations (on these cars) I do at work result in the hub bearing being replaced.

Hub bearing was replaced already. I'll be replacing pads and rotors next week.

Make sure you check them all I've seen the rear one's start making noise in extreme cases before too.

I finally replaced the pads and rotors. Now after that I thought that all my problems were gone, now I hear a loud high pitch squeal from both sides and it only goes away when I turn and apply the brakes.

Anyone know what could it be?

The inboard and outboard pads are reversed. the "ears" are different and are supposed to be installed according to the anti rattle clip that sits in the caliper body. Recheck it as soon as possible, as the pads will wear at an angle and when you do correct it, it'll still make some noise and pedal effort will be increased. if it isn't already...

BTW did you use ceramic or semi metallic pads?

Although I like our 99 cutlass (malibu) purchased new, it has lots of annoying problems. With only 15k mi.s on it (my wife drives it about 4 miles a day) I have had to replace the AC switch (Dealer did that under warrnaty) and alternator at less than 10K mi.s. Dealer would not stand behind it. I replaced the alternator as GM wanted $300 for a new one with a 30 day warranty, I dropped one in from autopart store with lifetime warranty for about $150 after buy-back on "old" one. The brakes have NEVER performed well- they vibrate ferociously. And I am reding about brakes, struts, hubs, lower control arm assy, lower ball joint design deficiencies all over this site. Looks like the whole front end is poop. Now the signals work intermitently. I assumed I need a new turn signal control but it looks like it might actually be the hazard light control, from what I am reading here.

We looked at the MAXX because it is so pretty. I drove it and was impressed, but decided to hold off even though I have been driving Olds since 87 (ahh I wish i could have my 2 door Cierra back- what a car) The front end problems and electrical problems scare me away from the electric power steering on the MAXXx, although it drove great. And the offer on the low milage 99 Cutlass from the dealer was insuting at best. HAtre to buy non-american, but with all these problems and depreciation, I am having a tough time rationalizing another GM despite having been a super loyal customer for so long.