Can front brake pads make a cycling type of noise.

[scherp]

I have 2001 Montana. For the last 6 months I have a cycling/rhythm noise coming from the front right side, that shows up around 30 mph. The noise doesn't get louder with increase speed or decrease with braking, until the speed drops below 30. The noise seems to go away when turning to the right going around a bend.

The van drives and brakes well. I have changed ball joints, strut, mounting brackets, wheel assembly, tie rod end and cv shaft.

The noise seemed to start after putting in new front brake pads. The rotors are original and are starting to get bad. Is it possible the rotor or/and brake pads making this noise?

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by scherp

...For the last 6 months I have a cycling/rhythm noise coming from the front right side, that shows up around 30 mph. The noise doesn't get louder with increase speed or decrease with braking, until the speed drops below 30. The noise seems to go away when turning to the right going around a bend....

You have pretty much covered every possible moving part (and some non-moving parts) that might generate the noise you speak of. When the CV was replaced, was it replaced as a new unit? The only other part that could generate a noise is a wheel hub bearing, but they usually have this droning noise that changes frequency along with the speed, and a bearing is noticeable at all speeds of rotation, but may disappear with side loads associated with turning.

If there are 'barnacles' on the inside of the rotors (rust spots that rise above the surface of the rotor, you would not necessarily hear anything, but more than likely feel it in the braking coming to a stop. If the rotors were warped this would have the same effect, but again, I wouldn't expect them to make a sound that would be audible just driving.

It almost sounds like a rotating mass, a CV, a hub bearing or a wheel assembly. But you have covered all of those (except the hub bearing).

Can you get the right side up in the air and have someone put the van in gear while the other three wheels are adequately blocked? (Nose up against a good barrier would be even better!)

If so, run it at 15 to 20 MPH on the speedo..that should equate to about 30 or 40 if both wheels were on the ground and listen to see if you can detect a sound or even a vibration. If it is a hub bearing, you should be able to hear it...you can do this with the wheel off too,...just put three wheel nuts on tightened enough to hold the rotor in place....I'd do this for both sides so you can compare the difference (if any)....

[scherp]

I have replace the hub bearing, with hub assembly about year and half ago. I had the noise prior replacing the cv shaft with a new one. i have tighten all the wheel well shrouding. Could sway bar bushing, control arm bushing or motor mount make this noise?

Yes, it would be possible to try running the right wheel off the ground. I was thinking of doing with both front wheel off the ground to see if it is a suspension or mechanical problem. Been waiting for warmer weather. If I didn't change the strut mounting bracket, I would say it would be the problem. If you have any other ideas i would appreciate it.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by scherp

....I have replace the hub bearing, with hub assembly about year and half ago. I had the noise prior replacing the cv shaft with a new one. i have tighten all the wheel well shrouding. Could sway bar bushing, control arm bushing or motor mount make this noise?....

Sorry to say this, but the hub bearing has been known to go bad a short time after install. There is a thread somewhere on this forum regarding the replacement of the hub bearing more than once in one year....not a happy thought...

Totally unrelated to the things you have replaced, I had this sound that slowly 'crept' up on me over a period of a year. It was a weird droning kind of sound coming from the right side of the van. When the engine was running, it was somewhat noticeable, but because I had gotten used to it, I tended to ignore it.

Then, two weeks ago during cold weather, the water pump started to leak, not a lot, but a bit....it appeared to leak when the engine was stone cold...I drove the van back home (about 200 Kms) with a leaking water pump, but it never lost a drop on the way home.

The next morning, when I started it, the pump was leaking antifreeze everywhere...replaced the pump..(a trick in itself although straightforward), lost a bit draining it and refilled the system with antifreeze and some Prestone stop leak (to replace any of the 'tabs' added to the cooling system when I had the dealer flush and fill about three years ago, and then I fired it up.

The engine ran so quietly, I had to look to see if it was actually running. The water pump bearing had been going for quite some time and made this weird droning sound.

Related to your problem, I don't know, but something to consider I guess.

[GTP Dad]

I would have to agree that the hub bearing is going bad and is going to need replacing. The constant noise you hear is the bearing. One key is that the noise goes away when you turn the wheel.

[scherp]

I will take the hub off and check the bearing. Thank you.

[1Bradymichael]

I would agree with the others here. I had a replacment that lasted a whopping 10 months. At least I finally got the darn intake to stop leaking,lol.

[scherp]

I took off the wheel assembly and spin the bearing by hand. It was smooth and didn't make any noise. I replaced it anyway and the noise went away. I can't believe that bearing lasted 10,000 miles making that noise. Thank you all for your help.