I have a 2000 Max with 47k on it. Yesterday I noticed a metallic scratching sound while I was driving. This sound comes on randomly at high speeds and at low. I definitely hear it when I brake, but it comes on when I'm not breaking as well. It isn't the sound of the indicator, but it sounds like something around the tire area. Does anyone know what this could be? I know I have plenty of pad left, but the rotors are starting to wear. The best way to descibe the sound is a screechy/scratchy metallic like sound. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Sounds like you have a brake pad that is rubbing the rotor. It is probably causes by the pads not being pulled back off the rotor fully after braking.

 

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Are the rotors grooved and/or rusting? Stick your hand in there and feel the surface of the rotor to see if it's grooved. Probably need to get them turned, or even get new ones. 50k is about right. That's usually when people find they need to turn the rotors.

If you get them turned, you can remove yourself and take to a shop. Or if you decide to replace, it's easy enough. I think there is a write-up here somewhere.

 

This could also be a bearing, and these can be inspected and repacked while the rotors are off.

 

Do rotors make a scratchy sound when they start to go bad even when not pressing the brake?

 

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Only if the caliper is dragging. Meaning that the pad is in constant contact with the rotor surface. "Rotors" only wear out. Rotors dont go bad by themselves. Another "issue" causes them to "go bad". Your sound could be a bearing issue or a caliper issue.

Grooved rotors will show that the pad is dragging and need turned down. BUT this can also cause issues with overheating the rotor and it "might" not be salvagable. Go take it into one of those free diag places.

Unless you report back here with findings to peoples suggestions...you really arent going anywhere.

 

Not that I know of. There is a chance that they could make some noise IF they are very heavily grooved. For the most part it's the pads or the caliper bolts that make noises. The only time, with any car, that I've had the sound your describing and there hasn't been any real problem is when the car has sat a while and the rotors rusted some. In this case it goes away very quickly, and doesn't come back.

When the bearings in the rotor go bad they will make noise at most speeds braking or not, though it will be more noticeable at higher speeds. Failure in with these bearings at speed is not good.

When you hear noises like that especially when not braking you shouldn't waste time getting it looked at, or fixing it yourself. Even if it turns out to be nothing more than a chattering pad it's worth the time because if it's something else...

 

 

Yes, they do. Nothing pulls your brake pad off the rotor, it is almost always making contact with the rotor. Pitted and grooved rotors make nasty grinding sounds all the time. Trust me, I just went through this with both my GFs car and my mother's car.

I doubt it is a bearing. A bearing usually only makes noise when turning. Straight line roll, a bad bearing is quiet. Unless it's REALLY bad.

The rotors are still your best bet, just go feel them!

 

if you take your car into an empty parking lot, get up to about 40-50 mph them SLAM on your brakes, then do the same thing in reverse, that might fix it. and if it dosn't you had fun doing it anyway. i know it sounds crazy but it work most of the time.

 

I'd go even simpler. The pads could simply be warn down and the metal clips are scraping, indicating a need for replacement. When was the last time you replaced your pads? How do you know its not the indicator?

 

I had the brake judder tsb done done 20k ago. They resurfaced the rotors and replaced the pads. Now this stuff is happening. I have a 100k extended warranty and the pads shouldn't be worn down already I wouldn't think. How much are new rotors + pads? It is just frustrating because I only have 47k on the car and don't want to spend a lot of dough.

 

I don't think your 100k warranty will cover this. These are wear items. Have you done anything yet? what do the rotors look like? come on now.

 

I can't get the rotors covered under the 3yr/36K mile...You don't have a prayer at getting that covered with that many miles. Don't worry, if you're replacing it with factory stuff it's not that expensive. New OEM rotors/pads shouldn't run you more than $250 at the most. I believe you can even get brembo blanks for ~$50/piece.

 

Normal wear item, no warranty coverage. 50k is normal for this stuff. It won't be a lot of money if you do it yourself. Pads are cheap, and rotors are variable. You can find rotors for $30 a piece. If you take it to the garage, then double the cost because of labor.

 

They can??? It was my understanding the whole axle needed to come off before you can reach the bearings? Have you done this? Thanks in advance. Peace_

 

Are you talking CV Joints or rotor bearings?
I haven't done anything with my 2k2 brakes yet except put SS lines all around. But every rotor I've ever seen has an inner and an outer bearing I don't see how anything would be different here.

 

I'm talking wheel bearings. Yeah, just wasn't sure if you've done it or not. Looking at Motorvate's site, It looks hella extensive. On my ex GF's blazer, you had to take off the bearings just to do the front pads, what a pain in the ***. Mine are shot, and am looking to do them SOON. Peace_

 

I'll check the FSM when I get home...

 

Thanks Bro....

 

Well you are correct. My bad, I should have looked at the FSM before posting. It has been a while since I've gone that far with rotor/wheel work. When I had slots put on my 99 my mechanic buddy did it.

It doesn't look like those are likely to being the problem but not out of the realm of possibility.