Random Grinding

[tmr263]

I hear a grinding noise coming from somewhere around my brakes can't quite pin point it. I can only hear the sound when I drive by a building or something so it's hard to tell where it's coming from. Should I just take off my tires and inspect my brakes and everything? I just bought the car from a dealer 2 months ago and they claimed to change the brakes and everything. It's an 06. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

[navylife59]

The brake pads maybe worn down to the wear indicators. It may also be something else like a bent splash shield rubbing against the rotor. Suggest that you remove and inspect the wheel from the offending area. Inspect the rotor and caliper for any signs of metal-metal contact. Put the wheel back on and try rotating it with the car still jacked. Do you hear any noise or feel anything other than a smooth rotation? While you are driving, is the noise constant or does it appear only at certain times like when braking (hard/soft) or bumps?

[tmr263]

Yeah I thought pads at first but then I realized it's a constant thing. Almost sounds like I have something grinding on rotors but I can't pinpoint the tire I'd hate to rip them all off ha ha. And I can only hear it when going kinda above 20 and near an object, so it's hard to get others to listen for it lol. Hmmmmm whoever had the car before put what looks like 16's or 15's on it could that make a difference? I'm pretty sure it would be more severe if I had a wheel grinding though.

[navylife59]

A smaller wheel could be rubbing the caliper. Same with incorrect offset and too wide. Is this a plain steel wheel with hub caps or an actual aluminum mag? If the pads wear down too far, the wear indicators would constantly be touching the rotor. It can be more serious like hub bearing or CV axle joint failure. Without hearing the sound directly or picts to go by, all I can give you really is ideas of what to look for, instead of, a proper diagnosis. Can you post some upclose picts of your tires/wheels and the wheel wells?

[connman429]

You can also jackstand your rear-end, remove both wheels, and spin the axle with a drill or impact (I believe the socket size is 30-mm deepwell 12-point, but I won't be home for a couple weeks to check). This will simulate a faster speed than you can do by hand.

[navylife59]

That is a good idea. We (Navy) use a drill to test the anti-skid transducer on Naval aircraft brakes/gear. Both wheels do not have to be off the ground as the re is no rear axle though.

[connman429]

That is true. I was just thinking it would be more time efficient to do one, then walk around and do the other. Of course, this is coming from the guy that jackstands all four corners to change his oil (I do a full underbody inspection and tire rotation along with it).

[navylife59]

I like to do the same. Clean and inspect everything. I need to Zoopseal my entire exhaust. The stainless polish has turned colors from the heat on my resonators. I also sit there and dream up new chassis and suspension parts.

[tmr263]

Hmmm the drill idea is a neat idea and I'll try to get some pics when I get the chance, thanks for the input sorry I'm replying so late. I'm always so damn busy -_-

[navylife59]

We all are. My problem, however, is I am busy due to a psychotic fiancee who just chewed me out yet again.

[univision]

Next time you're driving along a building where you can hear the sound... try pulling on your e-brake to see if that's the suspect. Mine makes noise, not loud at all, until I pull on it. Just needs some readjusting if that's the case.

[navylife59]

That would probably be a dragging parking brake shoe.