02 Taurus Rear Grinding Noise

Hey guys,

I have a 2002 taurus. My first car. I have had a few problems with it that i managed to fix no problem. However recently the rear end has been making a grinding noise(sounds exactly like you pulled the e-brake and continued to drive) when braking (sounds like driver side only), this noise has also occured when not braking but rarely. It has been happening for about a week now.

Car has new front brakes and rotors so i know its not that. And the car doesnt have 4 wheel disc brakes, so im confused as to what could be causing this noise, thinking wheel bearings? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Have you inspected the rear brakes?

I'm guessing it has drum brakes in the back since it doesnt have 4 wheel disc brakes? Sorry I'm not very familiar with non-disc brakes

I would definitely check the rear drums. Worn shoes will make a grinding sound. You sure don't want to let it continue on if the shoes are worn or you will end up replacing the drum, which adds quite a bit more $$ to your fix.

If the brakes are good, check the bearings.

If the brakes and bearings are good, make sure you don't have a small kid stuck under your car. ha ha

Ha, I wish it was just a cat in there or something. Be a cheap easy fix. I'll take a look and let ya know. Thanks for the advice

Also make sure you don't have a leaking wheel cylinder leaking brake fluid onto the brake shoes. Fluid contaminated brake shoes can cause the brakes to be grabby and possibly cause a noise such as you describe. I'm not familiar with the sound the brakes would make if you left the parking brake on.

-Rod

Ok. So I am now about 100% its the rear brakes, however removing the drum is really starting to piss me off. There is this drum realease. However I'm having trouble finding it. I searched around the internet and couldnt find any pictures. Help?

The access hole to access the adjusting dial will be in the backing plate. Look over the drum assembly to the upper rear of the backing plate, near where the brake line enters the brake drum assembly. There will probably be an elliptical rubber plug in the backing plate. Remove the plug and with a good light, you will see the adjuster wheel. You will need to use a small screwdriver to hold the self adjuster arm away from the adjuster wheel, then use a drum brake adjuster tool or large flat blade screwdriver to loosen the adjuster wheel. Loosen the adjuster by moving the handle of the tool or large screwdriver downward.

-Rod

Seriously I owe you my life. Ha. Dude you know alot about tauruses. Thank you so much for your help.