front brake noise

[crebelm]

My front brakes are making a noise! I took it to a mechanic and he said it needed rotors, but when I got home and checked them there was plenty of meat on them and the pads. The only thing I could find wrong was the left front caliper was a little loose,it moved a good 1/2 " back and forth but everything was tight ? Can anybody give me any ideas!!

[GTP Dad]

There is no way you can tell if the rotors are in spec without measuring them with a dial caliper. Sometimes they can look good but are worn too much to work properly. You can purchase the rotors at an autoparts store and replace them yourself and save some money. I suggest you replace the pads at the same time. Certain models of Grand Ams have a problem with front brakes and they require changing almost yearly.

By the way welcome to the forum!!!

[jkpacyga]

i agree with GTP Dad. another thing that could give you noise is there may be a crack in one of the pads. i say replace them yourself to save money

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

There is no way you can tell if the rotors are in spec without measuring them with a dial caliper. Sometimes they can look good but are worn too much to work properly. You can purchase the rotors at an autoparts store and replace them yourself and save some money. I suggest you replace the pads at the same time. Certain models of Grand Ams have a problem with front brakes and they require changing almost yearly.

By the way welcome to the forum!!!

[Hoags]

Another problem along with the rotors like GTPDad said is the semi-metalic pads, I have had instances where there was a large piece of metal in the pad which caused a grove in the rotor but it also made a lot of noise. A lot of the semi-metalics make some noise unfortunately they need to make them that way to get the pads to last especially on a front wheel drive.

Hope this helps you out.

[Knifeblade]

yeah, like the guys above said^^^^

Any "slop" in a caliper as U described means

1] faulty piston [not engaging the pads, as it has frozen in it's bore]

2] lack of fluid pressure to engage the piston

3] Warped or worn rotor or pads.

For your safety, I'd replace the caliper and rotor, around $40-50 total for what ya need, presuming you will do the install. Install is not hard at all, get a 9mm or 3/8" hex head bit to bust the caliper bolts loose, use a big C-clamp to comress the piston back into the bore, disconnect the brake line to the caliper, pull the rotor [it just slips right off the hub].

Not hard, about 30 minutes total to remove/replace.

[Knifeblade]

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800e5dc4.jsp