Noise from behind/center of rotor HELP!

[charmed407]

My 98 Honda Civic's driver's side front wheel is making this noise like a squeaky bedspring when I hit the breaks. (Err er Err er Errr...kind of scraping/squeaking) We tried break cleaner and it went away for about 3 - 20 minute drives. Then it was back. Also didn't happen on a rainy day.

Sounds like the noise is coming from where the axle connects with the suspension. (In the middle of the rotor).

Also, the caliper moves back and forth when the brakes are on. Again, the noise happens when the brakes are used.

Any ideas? We're thinking it could be a bent axle, warped rotor, leaking something, ??? If it's the rotor, we can do it ourselves, If it's a bent axle, I'l take it somewhere to be done. Looking for some more info before going to Honda to have it looked at.

Thx in advance. Diana

[Greenblurr93]

bad wheel bearing.. maybe?

[Greenblurr93]

also could be a bad suspention bushing...

[BullShifter]

Your brake pads are worn. When they wear down a metal tab(wear indicator) rubs on the rotor to let you know it needs attention. Let it go too long and you'll need new rotors if the current ones aren't trashed already.

New pads installed properly and rotors resurfaced or replaced. Installing new pads without resurfacing or replacing rotors is worthless. The pad life will greatly be reduced.

When it's all taken apart the slides, retainers, pads, and shims need to be lube to get the most out of your brakes.

The brake caliper should move, that's how it applies pressure.

If it's not the pads, then it might just need a brake service, which should be done at least once a year.

[Greenblurr93]

lol sometimes the most obvious answers are the hardest to think of

[charmed407]

Originally Posted by Greenblurr93

lol sometimes the most obvious answers are the hardest to think of

Actually I just got the front brakes done and calipers replaced the week or so before Christmas (3 months ago).

Just got word from Honda (they've got my car today.) They say it's the aftermarket brake pads. (They had a MAJOR hissy fit when I brought it last fall & I had work done somewhere else at a service station.)

At least, I'll have in writing that Honda says it's safe. But, see the noise doesn't come from the brake pads! The calipers move a LOT. Not just to put pressure on...back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, constantly the whole time the brakes are on. It's not like the wear indicator noise - it's much different, much harsher. ?!?!

We're thinking of taking both front wheels off to compare and maybe even take it to another service place for a 2nd opinion.

Thanks for your advice!! Diana

[Greenblurr93]

yes definatly bring it for a second opinon, now im just throwing out ideas... does your car have ABS?? If so could it be the ABS ring on you axle hitting something??

[BullShifter]

I worked for Honda and your not the first one being told it's the aftermarket brake pads. For some reason Honda's don't like some aftermarket pads.

[charmed407]

Originally Posted by jackasssi

I worked for Honda and your not the first one being told it's the aftermarket brake pads. For some reason Honda's don't like some aftermarket pads.

When I got to the dealership to pick up the car, I paid my $42, then rose a little stink. I was annoyed knowing that they didn't even look past the darn brake pads! The service counter guy even said so!!! But he did...

get the foreman/supervisor to take my car back in and look again. This time I was there and got to show them what I was trying to say before. The noise didn't happen, but the foreman could see something, so he took it completely apart to see what's up. Turns out to be a "wonky" warped rotor - pretty bad; a slightly warped hub; AND the brake pad on the inside have a really sharp edge cuz of the rotor not being cut right (something about staying away from rust to avoid damage to the tool - gee thanks!)

Anyway, when they finally brought my keys back to me, They had started noticed a slight squeaking from the back brakes when they were bringing the car out front - so they took it back in, checked them, cleaned them, lubed them. Guess they realized somebody messed up!! They also thanked me for my patience and said that I know my car best - gee ya think?

Thanks for all your advice everyone!

[Greenblurr93]

glad it worked out for u.