After replacing the wheel bearing, hub and ball joint, the brake rotor is making a scraping noise?

SUSANRENEEA

MEMBER
2009 KIA RIO
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I changed the wheel bearing, hub and ball joint, few days after it started making scraping noise, could louder when apply brakes. Like a small rock stuck between rotor and brakes. Whatever was scraping on rotor left a groove in rotor. Any ideas? Is it safe to drive with small scrape on the rotor.

1 Reply

BRENDON S

MECHANIC
653 POSTS

Hello SUSANRENEEA,

It's possible it could have been a rock. If it left a mark on the rotor the rule of thumb, is you shouldn't be able to catch your fingernail on it if you were to drag it across it. If you can it should be replaced.

Also, if the wheel bearing where to loosen up it could cause the rotor to move into the brake caliper and rub on the brake caliper bracket. I would double check all your work and make sure everything is torqued to spec, especially the axle nut.

Here is the spec for the axle nut if you need it: 145-188 ft. Lbs.

I would jack it up, put my hands at 9 and 3 o'clock and push and pull on the tire. Then put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock and do the same and see if you feel any play.

Thank you,
Brendon