I don't like it when my car makes a new noise, makes me want to curl up in the corner rocking back and forth. Well I got a new noise and I don't like it one bit.

I was pulling out the parking lot of the college today and heard a slight skidding noise over my radio. At first I asked myself what on earth it could be, so I turned the radio off and pulled forward after backing out of my spot. Well going from 0-10mph I heard the sound of something skidding against something else, like metal rubbing on metal, and as I accelerated the noise increased in pace. By pace I mean that its like as if everytime my wheel rolled past a certain point you heard the noise, then it stopped until the wheel came around to the same position. Understand? :?
So anyway, I started going fast and faster out of the parking lot up to 25mph and it was almost a constant sound by now. However once I pulled out of the lot onto the main road and got up to 60mph I couldn't hear it anymore. It'* been quiet since.

This noise came from what seemed like the rear left wheel area. I do remember when I first got this car I had the rear brake cylinders replaced because they were developing a slight leak. The shoes were fine, but you think this is a sign to replace them? Hell maybe my ears are decieving me and it was the front wheels...because my front rotors and pads are almost shot (don't put ceramics on stock rotors people ).
Anyone have an idea whats going on here? I'm going to the shop in a week so I'll have them do a free inspection on the rear brakes anyway, but I like to be prepared for bad news.

Kyle...funny you mention that because I get the same noise. I (my dad) changed one of my cylinders (don't remember which side) in July of 2002 when I changed my pads and shoes. Well July of 2003 came and I needed new pads again already. But I didn't change the shoes because there seemed to be enough padding left. But I now get a constant squeeking noise which speeds up and slows down as I drive. And sometimes a noise like you described, like a grinding or skidding noise. I can hear it even going 40 mph, but around highway speeds of 60+ or so I can't hear it. And I know it'* coming from the back wheels. I'm guessing I should at least change the shoes, but I don't know if something else is wrong too.

I'm thinking it could be the other cylinder perhaps, or both. I don't think my dad ever replaced a cylinder before. It took him hours to do mine. Let me know what you find out. I'm almost certain we have the same problem.

Hmm, to me it sounds like it could be a bearing problem too. Just had my front one replaced yesterday. Does the sound get higher the fater you accelerate? Also is there a little vibration too?

Not a bearing, had 'em replaced when I bought the car.
I did a brisk stop at 40mph on the way home and listened out the window and its coming from the rear for sure. It sounded like the shoes were worn, as the sound was a skidding...ending with a slight grind. Could be a bad drum all together. I'll try to get to the shop early before they close tomarrow and have them do an inspection.

I had a sound like your guys' only mine was a light "thump---thump--thump--thump" when i applied the brakes and it too came from the rear (left in my case) wheel. So I changed the shoes on both sides and problem solved.

Mike Diaz

Well now I'm getting a constant ticking all the time from the rear...as if something is loose. Frick, entire drum is probably shot. Going in Monday to get brakes checked.

Ok its like a cancer now...getting worse REALLY fast. Pulled into the garage and kept hearing a hard friction noise after the wheel passed a particular point and right when I pulled in the wheel made the noise....well it STOPPED! Like the shoes said, "Hey F U, I'm gonna stay right here." I put it in reverse, gave it gas, and came free. WHAT A FRIGGIN MESS! I hate cars sometimes.

Keep us posted. I hope you get it fixed, for as little $ as possible. I may have the same problem you are, just not as bad yet.

CHECK THE SELF ADJUSTER..IT COULD BE BROKEN.!

Oooooo! I might maybe know this one. My car was doing something similar to that, but not quite as bad (sort of a rhythmic thunking, and sometimes when I made a hard turn an all-out creak), and people suggested bearings, brakes, alignments. It turned out to be a strut issue...