Brake Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Jasper Indiana
Brake Problem
I have a problem with the passenger rear brake on my 79. It is almost like a squeak/whistle when I drive. The sound goes away when I push the brake pedal. I replaced both calipers and sets of pads two years ago. I checked about a couple months ago and everything looks normal. I also checked the fluid level and it is fine. The caliper isn't leaking. Could the caliper possibly be warped? I am about to lose my mind because I don't know what to do. If anyone could give me advice, I would appreciate it sooo much.
Thank you
Doug Maitlen
Thank you
Doug Maitlen
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Could the problem be with the parking brakes? Does the noise go away if you apply the parking brake? PG.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 23
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From: Manheim PA
will the noise go away for a little if you lube the contact points between the pad holder and the tip of the pads? If it does it could be that your rotor is out-of-round, causing the pad to move back and fourth, making a noise. Another possibility could be that a bearing could be starting to go.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
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From: Jasper Indiana
The bearings were replaced about six months ago. I don't use the parking brake either. I don't know what to do. I admit, I have been doing some power braking burnouts. Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Doug
Thank you,
Doug
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Oak Harbor WA
I had a squeaky rear wheel one time on a C4 and it wasn't the brakes, it was a dry u-joint cap.
But, if you are certain it is brake related then take the wheel off and look at the pad and pistons. Maybe one of the pistons is stuck and is making just enough contact with the rotor material to make the harmonic noise you hear.
But, if you are certain it is brake related then take the wheel off and look at the pad and pistons. Maybe one of the pistons is stuck and is making just enough contact with the rotor material to make the harmonic noise you hear.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
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From: Jasper Indiana
When I take the wheel off, should the pads be pressed into the rotor? To me, this doesn't make sense. The noise goes away when I push the brake pedal. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Doug
Thank you,
Doug
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,562
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Yes, the pads ride on the rotors, there is no space between the rotor and the pads. If you don't have a dial guage to check the rotor run out, an easy Bubba test is to put a light coat of paint on the pad "Pin" drive for a while and see if the pads rubs the paint off the pin. If it does than borrow a dial gauge and check the runout. Also high temp lube on the leading and trailing edge of the pads was mentioned, that can help too. PG.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Jasper Indiana
Yes, the pads ride on the rotors, there is no space between the rotor and the pads. If you don't have a dial guage to check the rotor run out, an easy Bubba test is to put a light coat of paint on the pad "Pin" drive for a while and see if the pads rubs the paint off the pin. If it does than borrow a dial gauge and check the runout. Also high temp lube on the leading and trailing edge of the pads was mentioned, that can help too. PG.
Thank you
Doug
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
The squeak can only come from a few places, if it is the pads moving. If the rotor is out of round you need a dial gauge to check that. Since the pads rub on the rotors if the rotor is out of round the pads can rub on the caliper on each revolution and move the pads and cause them rub on the caliper and make the noise. The pads can rub on the leading and trailing edge. The metal part of the pad rubbing on the caliper is where the noise can come from, thats why you need some high temp lube at that area. The pin that goes thru the caliper and both pads and then thru the other end of the caliper can be painted to see if the pads move, but the best test is with a dial gauge. PG.