So a couple of days ago my 99 I30 started making a strange "grinding" noise from the front left. I immediately thought it was a bad break caliper that was stuck and causing the noise. The strange thing is is that its loud inside the car, but isn't any louder when I have the window down. So today I replaced the front left brake caliper and the noise is still there and now my Brake light is on indicating that the emergency break is engaged when it is not.

"Grinding" is the best way to describe the noise, but if it actually were a stuck caliper I would think it would be louder when I have the window down. It's a strange noise and doesn't get any louder when I apply the brakes. I don't know if it's the transmission or maybe the axle. Both axles were replaced about 6 months ago and I haven't had any issues with them since and they look fine. Anyone else experience this before?

 

if the sound gets worse as you accelerate, its probably the wheel bearing. otherwise check the backing plate for the brakes and make sure its not rubbing the rotor

 

The sound does get a little worse/louder as I accelerate. It doesn't really make any noise under 20 mph. I didn't even think of the wheel bearings. I'm going to check it out today. Thanks.

 

I agree with Chrome91, could be the bearing.

The brake light in the instrument cluster will also come on if the brake fluid in the master cylinder is low.

 

My friend's Scion has two busted bearings and it is like you're describing, not too audible at low speeds but gets louder and louder as you accelerate. I think the way to get an idea if that's the culprit is if you tug on the specific wheel and if it has play going towards/away from the car. Dennis is right about the brake light. I had a seized caliper and when it was replaced the brake light was on. Most likely since you let out brake fluid when you bleed the lines so the level gets low in the reservoir. Top that off and the light should go out.

 

Chrome91 was correct. The front left wheel bearing is shot. Also the reason for the brake light was because the reservoir was low on fluid. Thanks again for all your help. This site really is awesome. Thanks again!

 

if the reservoir was low on fluid, check your brake pads. if it was low enough to trigger the light you probably need new pads

 

The reservoir was low because when I put the brake line on the new caliper I didn't have it tight enough. I know rookie mistake, but when I bleed the brakes there was no fluid coming out from the brake line. I didn't have the bolt tight enough because I was worried about stripping it, but that's all taken care of now. I am putting it all back together today so hopefully the problem is fixed. Thanks again.