Rear Brake Caliper

[hillre]

Good afternoon,

Back again! Hope everyone is doing fine. I'm writing about my 1996 Grand Prix (3.1L engine) 223,000 miles. I need to know how do I determine if a rear caliper is bad or not. I'm hearing some sort of sound (not a squealing sound, it's sounds as if something is rubbing up against something) on the rear driver side when I apply the brakes. It sounds like something is grabbing and not wanting to let go. As soon as I release the brake, the noise go away. It's kind of difficult to explain since I'm not very familiar with brake problems. Could this mean the caliper is sticking when I apply it and or the rear pads need replacing? I don't see any brake fluid leaks. If it's a faulty brake caliper, is it difficult to replace and how do I bleed the system. I have never replaced a caliper but had the one on the passenger side rear replaced by a local shop.
Thanks for taking time to read my comments. I appreciate it. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this one? Take it easy!

[Burtnette]

I think I might be having this same problem. Does it sound sort of like a weird clicking noise? I only hear it every once in a while when I'm almost stopped.

[richtazz]

if the noise only happens when the brakes are applied, then I'd say you have glazed, worn out, or cheapo brake pads on it. Cheap pads have uneven metallic particles, and when they wear down to a big chunk, it will make a scraping or grinding noise. When even good brand pads get glazed (from overheating) or worn out, they will also scape/squeal.

[hillre]

Yes it does! I think I'm going to replace my pads and afterwards see if I get the same noise. I will probably have the rotors turned also to eliminate the chance of brakes pulsating when I apply the brakes. I have never had so much brake problems out of a vehicle until I purchased this Grand Prix. I don't think I will buy another one. Thanks for responding. Appreciate it very much!

Originally Posted by Burtnette

I think I might be having this same problem. Does it sound sort of like a weird clicking noise? I only hear it every once in a while when I'm almost stopped.

[hillre]

Alright, I think I will replace the pads; I haven't replaced them since 43,000 miles ago. Thanks for responding! I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by richtazz

if the noise only happens when the brakes are applied, then I'd say you have glazed, worn out, or cheapo brake pads on it. Cheap pads have uneven metallic particles, and when they wear down to a big chunk, it will make a scraping or grinding noise. When even good brand pads get glazed (from overheating) or worn out, they will also scape/squeal.