Squeal after brakes, axles, wheel bearing

Post by **mkc1** » 13 Dec 2017, 06:53

I recently had the front pads and rotors, CV axles, and one wheel bearing replaced. The rear pads, rotors, and calipers were also replaced. I now have a squeal at low speeds that varies with the speed of the car, but not with pressure on the brake pedal.

Is this likely to be a brake issue or perhaps something else like the dust guard rubbing on something. I wasn't sure if the common 'brake squeal with non-OEM pad' problem only occurred when braking or was constant.

Thanks!
Michael

Post by **oragex** » 13 Dec 2017, 07:02

Perhaps the dust guard is bent at some wheel

Post by **mkc1** » 18 Dec 2017, 07:15

Thanks oragex.

The main squeal is definitely coming from the front driver's-side. The wheel bearing was replaced on the passenger side so it shouldn't be that. The car also pulls to the left -- I assumed the alignment was messed up by the bearing replacement. With the car pulling to the left going forward (and to the right going in reverse!) and the squeal I wonder if the left caliper isn't seized or sticking on the guide pins. I'll try to take a look when it's a bit warmer.

Post by **abscate** » 18 Dec 2017, 07:31

Check the calipers after a 10 minute run to see if they are hot...douse a cup of water and listen for boiling. Compare to the other side.

If you drive on sticking calipers, you will ruin your new Pads!

Post by **mkc1** » 19 Dec 2017, 13:42

No appreciable boiling...both sides about the same.

I did notice that the squeaking/pulling tire was about 15 PSI low so I aired it up and went for a drive. Seems better, but not completely fixed. I also noticed that bouncing any corner of the car produces a squeal similar to the one I get driving at low speed.

Not sure if that gives any more clues? Something suspension related maybe? I was thinking maybe the sway bar bushings but I think those tend to clunk rather than squeal?

(I should also mention that the winter tires (on steel rims) were put on at the same time the rest of the work was done and that I have noticed changes in squeaking/noises between the all-season and the winter tires before -- like more squeaking/squealing when getting out of the car.)

Post by **scot850** » 19 Dec 2017, 15:41

It could be the parking brake shoes have delaminated or a parking brake cable has jammed causing the parking brake shoes to drag.

Neil.

Post by **jtp** » 19 Dec 2017, 21:50

A front tire 15 psi low is going to cause a pull to the side of that tire.
Id check all the dust shields and try to narrow down the wheel where the squealing seems to be coming from.

Post by **mkc1** » 21 Dec 2017, 06:35

I'm fairly certain it's coming from the front driver's side. Airing up the tire helped a bit but it's still pulling and squealing. Will take the tire(s) off when it's not -15C (5F) out. Here's a video. At the beginning the brakes aren't applied at all. Applying them doesn't seem to change the squeal much. A similar short squeal is heard when I get out of the car and another when I bounce the rear driver's-side corner.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Dec 2017, 10:46

Dust shield is the most likely. IT is easily knocked out of shape and bent into the rotor. Similarly easy to bend back also.

Rear brakes are most likely the parking brake shoes de-laminated and dragging, but could also be seized or partly seized parking brake cables causing the parking brakes to drag, and lastly the rear calipers are prone to seizing or the pads sticking in them. Time for a rear brake service.

Neil.

Post by **mkc1** » 21 Dec 2017, 14:18

scot850 wrote: ↑21 Dec 2017, 10:46 Time for a rear brake service.

Thanks, Neil. Perhaps you didn't notice in my original post but all this $#!+ started after a brake service!