2003 Venture Brakes ( I think )

[rlynnfogle]

I am having trouble with a lot of noise when I brake. I have checked the pads and so on, but they are in GREAT condition. The noise is a low pitched grinding. It happens only at braking, and continues for a moment afterword. I have read that it may be bearings but don't really know anything about that. ANY info would be greatly appreciated. I have also cleaned the pads. The rotors are perfect too... very smooth almost no wear.

Thanks!

[AJT1961]

Are they original equipment or replacement pads?

[rlynnfogle]

All origional parts!

[umina]

Did you check the rear drum brakes? Do you find yourself adding brake fluid every now and then? You may have leaky wheel cylinders in the rear drums, causing brake fluid to soak into the rear pads. This will cause them to grap and grind and make the noise like you are describing. This has been known to also be a common problem. They're like 15 bucks a piece and not too difficult to replace if you've ever blead brakes before. Do a forum search, you will find this as a common cause for grinding brakes.

[rlynnfogle]

The noise is definitely coming from the front... it sounds like it is right in front of the steering wheel. Would this still be the case if it were a problem with the rear? Can you have trouble like you described with the front?

[AJT1961]

From how you describe it, it sure sounds like a front brake noise. Mine used to make that noise when I had a cheap set of Midas brake pads. I stick with original equipment GM pads now, as this is one case where the extra money is really worth it. But since you say you have original GM pads, I am pretty much out of ideas. If you don't drive the car very often, you can get a small amount of rust on the rotors and the metallic specks in the pads that can make that noise, but that usually goes away after driving for a while. If it's a rust noise, it is harmless.

[rlynnfogle]

Replaced the brake pads... they were not bad, but replaced them any way. I don't know what it was, but they are fine now!

Thanks for all the help!

[gcollector2002]

Hi

I have a 2003 Venture and I am getting a similar noise coming from the rear when I brake. It seems to go away after a little driving but seems to happen atleast once a day.

Car is still under warranty, will let you know what the dealer says.

[gcollector2002]

Well dealer said the noise was coming from brake residue trapped between the pad and rotor.

We'll see if he was correct.