craig72

Hey again.
I'm hoping to dig into this over the weekend, but thought I would throw this out to get some thoughts.
Over the last week, I have noticed an odd noise as I back out into the street from the driveway. When going backwards and turning sharp to the left, there is what I can only describe as a grinding noise coming from the front left (I think) wheel area. Pretty easy to duplicate. I don't hear it going forward. As soon as I reduce the amount of turn, the noise goes away. I know I'm getting close to needing brakes. Perhaps something on one of the pads is hitting when turning at such a sharp angle? Not sure. I'm going to stop in a large empty school parking lot on the way home and experiment a bit.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Clutchless

It is most likely the brake wear indicators warning you that you should replace them now. Or a brake pad is so worn it is grinding the rotor. Turning the wheel probably changes the angle and pressure enough for one of them to rub more on the one pad that is worn the most. Usually one side wears faster, or the top or bottom of a pad wears faster due to sticking guide pins and differences in pressures from the upper and lower caliper pistons.
So replace those brake pads before they chew up the rotors and remember to clean and grease the caliper guide pins. If doing it yourself I like Raybestos Element 3 brake pads, which are a hybrid ceramic and semi-metallic pad. I have installed them on 3 vehicles.

craig72

Thanks for the feedback, that's kind of what I was thinking it was. I'll probably just replace the rotors while I'm in there. I think last time I used Brembo blanks and they performed well. The pads....if I recall, were Bendix, but I'd have to double check.
Thanks again, I really appreciate the response.
Craig

ESh

I think the only thing you are hearing are the wear indicators.

craig72

Yeah, I can feel that the brakes are about due. I looked back in my log book and I changed rotors/pads back in July of 2015. Just ordered new ones, so I'm sure that will fix it.
If it's anything other than that, I'll report back.
Thanks everyone!

Wilson2000

Two other things to consider are a wheel rub and the noise the power steering can make when you hit the limit, especially if you have a worn serpentine belt or belt tensioner.

craig72

I'd have to rule out wheel rub, as it is a metallic sounding noise. Also, I'm not at full turn limit, so I don't think that is it. New brake parts have been ordered (rotors and pads, since they are due anyway), so I'll report back once I get them changed out. Thanks for the input!