Squeeling in wheel

[JTrujillo86]

I have recently noticed a squeeking/squeeling in one of my rear wheels. I think it is the driver's side. I don't think that it is brake-related because I hear it constantly as I drive. I also know it is not the wheel bearing/hub assembly, because I've had that issue before. Anyone know what it could be? Its really irritating because my car is a pretty nice decent car, but having this screeching sound come froum the back makes it sound like a 25 year old P.O.S.

Thanks guys/gals,

Jeremy

[jr6078]

Are you sure you don't have the type of brake pads that have the metal tab that rubs the rotor when the pads get close to be gone? Most GMs have this built into the pads and a lot of aftermarkets have put them there on the GM replacement pads. Check that first, even if you've recently replaced the pads, you could have a caliper sticking that has caused one pad to wear down prematurely.

[JTrujillo86]

I thought that the "wear indicators" only sqeeked when the brakes were applied?

Jeremy

[JTrujillo86]

Well, it turns out that I have a lot of issues with my brakes right now. The inside front pads were completely down to the metal (damn). The outside front pads had only a little bit of life left in them. The rears are okay, but one of the pads on the passenger side is sperating, so they suggested "deglazing" the pads (WTF is "deglazing"??) Also, the rotors we all warped, as I expected. Finally, they suggested I flush the brake fluid.

Here is what I opted to do: Since I'm a poor college student, I couldn't afford the $300+ they wanted. I went ahead and did everything that was needed for the front since those were the bad ones, including resurfacing the rotors. I declined everything for the back and the fluid flush, because I've never heard of having to flush the fluid on the 'N' body vehicles. I have just always bled the brakes and added fluid as needed. This was all done at Midas by the way.

Anyway, it ended up being about $125 and that came with their lifetime replacement thing, so the next time I need front pads, I only need to pay for labor, not parts. The squeeking is gone, but my next issues is going to be the rear pad that is seperating.

This is the first real issue that I have had to pay for on my car since the warranty ran out. I am now at about 47,000 miles. It came at a really craptastic time for me financially, but I'm still very happy with my car and happy with the fact that these brakes lasted this long, compared to other Alero owners.

By the way, if anyone knows what the hell "deglazing" of a brake pad is, let me know.

Jeremy

[LeBuick]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

I have just always bled the brakes and added fluid as needed. This was all done at Midas by the way.

Jeremy

I let Midas give me a free brake inspection about 4 years ago. They told me $700 and for the hard sell, told me they couldn't let me drive my car cause it was unsafe. I finally had front breaks put on a few months ago but they have performed well otherwise. I don't trust them...

[JTrujillo86]

To be honest, I don't really trust anyone in doing anything on my car. I'm extremely protective, however stupid that sounds. Yeah, I didn't really trust them on the "deglazing" or the fluid flush. I did see the pads myself though right when he pulled them from my car, so I know that some problems existed. I also felt that the rotors needed to be resurfaced. I realized this about 12K miles ago, but in an effort to save money, I waited.

Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

To be honest, I don't really trust anyone in doing anything on my car. I'm extremely protective, however stupid that sounds. Yeah, I didn't really trust them on the "deglazing" or the fluid flush. I did see the pads myself though right when he pulled them from my car, so I know that some problems existed. I also felt that the rotors needed to be resurfaced. I realized this about 12K miles ago, but in an effort to save money, I waited.

Jeremy

Don't think you need the brake system fluid flush with the mileage you have. As to the deglazing, it may be ineffective. All they do is shave off some of the pad to get it to a quasi new state. Better off with good quality new pads.

If you have the know how, you're better off doing the brakes yourself.

[JTrujillo86]

I have the know-how, but I don't have the facilities. I usually do everything at my dad's house, but seeing as I am 60 miles away from home, I just let someone else do them.

Jeremy