1999 Malibu brake noise

[malibu99]

Hey,

I don't have a lot of knowledge about cars, but I'd figure I should ask you guys before I went to the mechanic.

My 1999 Malibu makes a groaning and scraping noise when I brake. It started quietly about a week ago and has steadily grown louder and louder. At first it only happened if I hit the brakes with some force, now it happens if I just tap them or slow down for a stop light.

The car was bought new, I'm the only owner, and has close to 90K miles on it. Last service was 4-5 months months ago.

Any help or insights before I go to the mechanic would be appreciated!
Thanks!

[bcopeland]

Well you did real good on those brakes! Real good. What you need to do now is replace parts.

[johnschmitt]

Agreed on 90k from one set.

I had a topaz that would do that. I never heard the wear indicator, just grinding when they were done. It's probably the remnants of a pad digging into a rotor. This problem is fairly evident when you pull the wheel off.

You can get the pads and rotors for between 80 and 120 bucks depending on where you go and what you get and it really is an easy job if you feel like tackling it.

Tools needed include: 1/2" or 13mm socket (can't remember which fits better), ratchet, breaker bar (or just a really long ratchet), C-clamp (to push the plungers back in), something to hold the calliper up with while you're working, brake cleaner, and the lug wrench and jack out of the trunk.