My '95 SSEi had a brake job done to it all the way around just before I bought it in November. I noticed just after buying it that the driver'* side rear brake would make noise occasionally, especially after just starting up. It sometimes sounds like metal rubbing together, then other times it sounds like a squeal.

I had a service station take the drum off 3 months ago to look at the problem, but they can't find anything that may be causing the problem.

I took the drum off Saturday myself and looked to see nothing but some fine metal shavings but I can't tell where they might be coming from. One of the shoes has a crack running right down the center of it, but I can't see where in the world shavings might be coming from nor can I see why they would be making noise.

Any ideas?

I'd put new shoes on it. It'* not expensive, especially if you do the job yourself. The shoes shouldn't have a crack in them, new or otherwise.

Yep, new pads required. Crack = bad .


-justin

Most likely the cause of the noise if the cracked pad.

I'd opt for ceramic...but that'* cause they last forever.

I'll be sure to get some new ones on. Somebody must have used some cheapo shoes before I bought the car. I've never done antilock shoes before - I've always put on shoes on older cars (1964 Plymouth Valiant convertible, 1949 Buick Special, etc.).

Thanks for the help!

I thought I heard Wil say not to use ceramic pads with the stock rotors/drums.

You're right. The stockers aren't met for the abuse. They'll be gone with haste. Go with bimetallic.

Sorry, I should have specified if changing out the rotors at the same time. I made the assumption that a cracked pad would necessitate a change. Usually leaves a groove pretty quick.