2001 Lumina Brakes Squeeking

[tblake]

I have a 2001 Lumina, and since I bought it, the brakes have been squeeking really bad. Not grinding, squeeking. I took all the wheels off, and sprayed brake cleaner in all them, and put it all back together, still same deal. Pads are all over half there. and rotars are not warped. Could it just be the humid weather? What should I do. BTW, my car is a 2001 with only 40,000 miles on it. Thanks for your replies!!!

[92RedZforSale]

depending on what brand pads you are using it could be a problem that last the life of the brakes put another 100-200 miles on it depending on your driving habits if the squeal is gone you just needed more break in time if its there still. Stay away from those breaks in the future some companies are known for these problems in fact i have had mostly problems with the lower end pads from autozone and advanced in the past. Figure out the name of your pads regardless and monitor the noise your knowledge will help others in their purchasing efforts!!!

[tblake]

Ok, thanks. I believe these are the origional pads that the car came with, unless the people that owned it before me braked hard a lot, which may have been the case, due to a lot of brake dust build up on the rims, but, I will however look into what type they are, and keep all info posted. Any suggestions on the type of pads I should buy, and where I should get them, when the time does come to changing them? Thank you.

[92RedZforSale]

Originally Posted by tblake

Ok, thanks. I believe these are the origional pads that the car came with, unless the people that owned it before me braked hard a lot, which may have been the case, due to a lot of brake dust build up on the rims, but, I will however look into what type they are, and keep all info posted. Any suggestions on the type of pads I should buy, and where I should get them, when the time does come to changing them? Thank you.

I cant honestly reccomend any brakes but EBC these are expensive pads availabe at local performance shops... But for your needs Id reccomend contacting your local Chevy Garages and ask what pads are known to squeal such as Dura Stop stay away from these. Once you have a few they mention have worked good for them and have not go to your local advanced or auto zone or even better carquest and by top of the line brakes most pads anymore come with warranties. Go for the lifetime warranties that way if they squeal take them off imediately ask for a full refund until satisfied. Cant go wrong that way id reccomend top of the line at the local chain auto parts stores.

[tblake]

ok, thanks, will do.

[dadada1651]

I had the same problem. I brought my car to get rear brakes machined and new pads, and there was a spring that broke and was getting between the shoe and the drum. They replaced it, and the sound was gone for 6 months (usually it comes back after a month) and then it started, i may get it checked out again for that spring.

[300+]

I only saw mention of pads and rotors. However if you or anyone else has drums in the rear and they are making noise, bang/scrape all rust out of the groove behind braking surface of the drum. The rust rubs there making all varieties of noise.

[tblake]

Ok, i need more detail. Scrape all rust from where? The outside of the drum? I dont get it. Thanks.

[300+]

If you look at the drums, of at least my lumina APV, there is a groove about 1/4" deep going the whole circumference of the drum where it comes close to the base plate on the vehicle. On these vehicles there is not much clearance and rust will bridge that gap. I think there is a ridge on the base that matches to the groove. Therefore it needs to be cleaned out as well to allow space between. I always try to remove any rust from drums and rotors before it builds up. It helps with future removal.
To summarize: remove all rust that may rub.

[tblake]

ok, thanks, will do.