Car is making a grinding noise on the drivers front when you apply the brakes?

BRYAN131313

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
117,000 MILES

My wife's 2005 Malibu is making a grinding almost like a "Humming grinding" in the drivers front when you apply the brakes(Doesn't sound anything like a break pad issue). I am going to do some investigating this weekend but am wondering what this could possibly be? Caliper, rotor, or possibly wheel bearings? Thanks in advance for any help.

5 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MEMBER

It could be any or all 3 of what you mentioned. From what you describe, though, my money is on worn out brake pads. Most likely, you will need to replace the rotor as well. If the pad wear is uneven from side to side, you should also rebuild or replace the calipers. Rebuilding is MUCH less expensive, but more labor intensive. GM product brake pads have wear indicators. Ask your wife if she heard a squeaking sound before the grinding.

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Friday, September 30th, 2011 AT 7:32 PM

HMAC300

EXPERT

If everything looks ok check for rust, that causes a lot of noises like that. Also check for a bent dust shield.

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Friday, September 30th, 2011 AT 7:38 PM

BRYAN131313

MEMBER

Thanks for the quick response. It is not the brake pads and there was no squeaking. But I have rode in it when it does this and it is only occasionally and feels like it is grabbing when brakes are applied. I was thinking more along the lines of warped/worn out rotor or caliper?

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Friday, September 30th, 2011 AT 7:41 PM

HMAC300

EXPERT

Well if anything is warped it will be the rotor. But check for rust on tehoutside of rotor like where it goes through the caliper or a piece stuck in the caliper. Grabbin g can be from oil on the pad/rotor area. It could also be coming from the back.

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Friday, September 30th, 2011 AT 7:44 PM

RIVERMIKERAT

MEMBER

Check both sides (rt and lt) for uneven pad wear. Do you feel a vibration or pulsing in the brake pedal? If not, there is no "warpage" (actually runout-uneven rotor thickness). Check the INSIDE of the rotor for wear, as well as the outside. MAKE SURE THE ROTOR IS COOL TO THE TOUCH and feel as much of the inner portion (against the inner brake pad) as you can. ANY roughness means a completely worn pad.