Sqealing wheels?

munkieNS · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 12:38 PM

Alright so I've got a bit of a dilemma here. I own a 2005 Corolla CE with 37k miles on it that I bought back in January with 31k miles on it. When I bought the car it had all new brake pads and shoes, however about 2 months ago I started hearing squealing when braking at times. Throughout the last 2 months the squealing has increased in both frequency and volume, and now it squeals nearly every time I brake. When I lightly press or heavily press the brake it makes the noise stop, however if I'm somewhere in the middle of these it'll make an extremely loud metallic grinding noise. I had taken the wheel off and replaced the brake pads (which didn't need replacing judging on the wear, however I did it in case they were defective or something) and it only stopped the problem for about a week. My rotors have no visible heavy wear on them (some light scratches but nothing deep at all), so I'm not sure that's the problem here. Anyone have any ideas? Anything would be great. I don't like taking it to the mechanic but I guess I could do that if all else fails.

tacomatrdsport2591 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 03:21 PM

Hey there...I had a similer problem with my '87 corolla...and it turned out to be the caliper assembly. More specifically, a major lack of lube. I tore apart the assembly and found almost all the critical parts bone dry and that caused them to partially freeze up in position. So they still worked, but they never fully released after I lifted up on the brake pedal. Just a suggestion, mind you...your situation could be many things, but take a look around if you are able to and see what you can find. Keep asking around, and let us know how it goes!

tgrindrod · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 02:26 PM

You might look to make sure you have the shims for the brake pads in place. This helps keep the pads in just the right location and helps reduce any squeal.

As stated before, make sure you calipers are working. Remove them from the rotor and press them back in with a C-clamp. Leave them off the rotor and turn the car and and have some one press the brake to make sure they work. Turn off the car and use the C-clamp to press them back in and replace the caliper on the rotor. Start it up again and watch as someone puts their foot on the brake. Make sure the caliper is working.
Good luck