Hearing a noise while I'm braking...

[bradNSX]

Hey everyone, I am in need of your expertise. Starting about one week ago, I started to hear a squeeking noise when I brake the car till I come to a complete stop. Are my brakes bad, do I need just brake pads, need some advise...I am not a mechanic, but a car enthusiast! If you have an idea what it is, could you tell me how much it will hurt my wallet!?! Thanks to all.

[This message has been edited by bradNSX (edited 07 October 2002).]

 

[BostonNSX]

I had that problem too.. but after da cars maintained.. its gone..

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the art of chasing down my friend's white 3000gt at com. ave


NSXCA # 1690

 

[PHOEN$X]

Sounds like your brake pads are glazed. My daily driver makes that noise too. Get it checked out if you're concerned, or if you have problems braking.

 

[Lud]

Originally posted by bradNSX:
Starting about one week ago, I started to hear a squeeking noise when I brake the car till I come to a complete stop.

Is it a metal-on-metal screeching sound? If so, it is probably your brake pad wear indicator.

 

[nsxtasy]

You almost certainly just need to have your brake pads replaced. Most brake pads come with a wear indicator (as Lud mentioned). It's a metal tab that comes into contact with the rotor and makes noise when the brake pads are worn, so you get them checked.

If you have a '91-96 NSX and would like to learn how to check the wear on the outside brake pad yourself (all you need to do is to look at the edge of the pad through the spokes of the wheel), click here.

Typical charges for replacing NSX brake pads on one axle (front pads OR rear pads) are $125-200 for the pads (parts), plus $65-95 for an hour of labor.

 

[PHOEN$X]

If it is the brake wear indicator, then it should be making a constant whining noise while driving, and change pitch when you hit the brakes. If it only whines during braking, then it's not the brake wear indicator...no?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The wear indicator is a metal "tang" that is positioned at the depth of the pad considered to be the "wear" thckness. A good picture of this is in the on-line service manual on page 19-18 (It shows the rear pads)

So if there is no pressure on the pad, it may not squeal. When it squeals it is also wearing out the tang, so as the pad gets thinner, so does the wear indicator.

I would expect to hear the sound under brake pressure, when you release the brake pedal the pad will back off a tiny bit, if the caliper is working properly.

HTH,
LarryB

[This message has been edited by Larry Bastanza (edited 08 October 2002).]

 

[burbel]

Right, if you hear the scratching noise constantly from the wear indicators, you've a) let it go too long, and b) will probably need to get your rotors resurfaced while you're at it, to get rid of the grooves you've been engraving.

I did the pads + rotors myself, installed new lines from the metal lines to the calipers, since the old lines were 8+ years old, did a brake fluid change and installed Speed Bleeders at the same time - it was an easy job if done correctly (with patiece), just watch the screws that hold the rotors on - my impact driver "broke" and damaged two of the screws.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me via email.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by Larry Bastanza:
I would expect to hear the sound under brake pressure, when you release the brake pedal the pad will back off a tiny bit, if the caliper is working properly.

In my experience, it's not consistent. Sometimes you hear the squeal only when braking. Sometimes you hear the squeal all the time (even when you're not braking) - and not necessarily when you've ignored it. In fact, there are times that the first I heard it was when moving, not when braking.

In any case, the bottom line is this: if you hear a squealing noise, check the thickness of your pads FIRST.

 

[BostonNSX]

wut if its not squeaking but "kala" sound like when u stop da car with brake?

------------------
the art of chasing down my friend's white 3000gt at com. ave


NSXCA # 1690

 

[nsxtasy]

wut kala u da?

Can you please ask your question in English so that we will understand what you're talking about?

 

[Lud]

Originally posted by BostonNSX:
wut if its not squeaking but "kala" sound like when u stop da car with brake

Translation: ????

 

[matteni]

FYI - my RM pads always sqeel a little coming up to a stop light at very slow speeds / especially if it has been a while since the last washing. Must have something to do with a small accumulation of brake dust.

BTW - this is MUCH less then the metal indicator you will hear at the end of the pad's life.

 

[ak]

My Carbotech Panther Plus pads squeal like crazy. Some guy at a car wash told me I needed new brake pads and I told him they were new

They sure stop great tho.

[This message has been edited by ak (edited 11 October 2002).]

 

[The DON]

yeah, my carbotech panther plus squeals like a pig too! It squeals when moving but stop squealing once the brakes are applied.

 

[BadCarma]

although many pads do squeal and nothing is out of spec I believe this is as lud and ken stated as normal wear down to indicators
david

 

[tunlhd1]

You almost certainly just need to have your brake pads replaced. Most brake pads come with a wear indicator (as Lud mentioned). It's a metal tab that comes into contact with the rotor and makes noise when the brake pads are worn, so you get them checked.

If you have a '91-96 NSX and would like to learn how to check the wear on the outside brake pad yourself (all you need to do is to look at the edge of the pad through the spokes of the wheel), click here.

Typical charges for replacing NSX brake pads on one axle (front pads OR rear pads) are $125-200 for the pads (parts), plus $65-95 for an hour of labor.

I'll be taking my 2003 into Acura of Woodfield later this week for a check of the brakes. I hear a high piched grinding noise when I brake so I think the pads might be worn. I was quoted $995 for replacement of the pads(FR and RR) plus turning the rotors. Does this seem high?

 

[nsxtasy]

I was quoted $995 for replacement of the pads(FR and RR) plus turning the rotors. Does this seem high?

Yes, but it depends on what they actually have to do. Front pads list around $180 and rears around $100. The labor is whatever the labor is (I think their hourly rate is around $110 and they go by the book time). I doubt that they would charge more than two hours, maybe three with turning rotors, so as you can see, those numbers don't add up to $995. I suspect maybe they quoted you prices including replacing the rotors (or some other service), as a worst-case scenario. They can't really tell how much they will actually have to replace until they see the car.

I've found that their charges are generally fair. Not cheap, not a bargain, but fair. Especially considering that Ted is the best NSX tech in the Chicago area. And considering that they only do what's necessary. They will only replace what they need to, and I'm guessing they won't need to replace everything in the quote they gave you.

If you have any questions about how much they are charging, feel free to discuss them with Mark Dettlo, their service manager, or with any of their service writers (Ray, Kim, Chris, Jackie, etc), all of whom are very good.

 

[pegi]

Everytime my brakes are going to whine, I open my brakes.

Take brake pads out, use sandpaper (if needed if pads are glazed) little bit and clean it then.
It works and it is simply to do it :smile: .