Hi all, back with a new problem. Started around a month ago, maybe a bit more. Randomly starts screeching which I assume is brakes. There is no rhyme or reason when it starts, it's probably a couple days a week (I drive daily) and just out of the blue. I can be going fast or slow. Happens whether I'm using the brakes a lot or not. I've had it to the dealership, they can't replicate the problem (never can when I have an issue, it's like going to the dr.). My husband has taken all 4 wheels off and inspected everything he could think of (shield, pads themselves, rotors, calipers, etc.) and can find nothing sticking or out of place. We put new pads and rotors on when it first started because I thought it was the pad letting me know it was getting low and the rotors had some heat spots so decided to start fresh. It's sometimes SO loud I'm actually embarrassed to drive by peoples houses, most of the time when I go around a curve it stops (weird), when I initially step on the brake it gets even louder then as I press the pedal down it goes away.

Not every time I get home/to work does this part happen but most times it does - you can smell the heat, sometimes it smells so hot I would swear it was on fire. I walk around and feel the wheels and the rear driver side is usually the culprit. Sometimes I hear no screeching but the wheel smells hot. My husband and I are at a total loss, was hoping you might have an idea of something we haven't checked? Should we just replace the caliper even though it doesn't seem to be sticking (may be sticking while screeching but not at rest?)? I would swear we've replaced that caliper before (have to look at my records when I have a chance). I can't keep running back to the dealership, it only squeaks after I've been driving awhile - say 10 to 15 miles and if I stop (like at the dealership) it won't start up again, sometimes for a couple days. I've attached a video - to hear the noise you have to wear earbuds or turn it up really loud because the wind overtakes it. I can always do another one if needed, I did it this morning because I wanted to post the question but it wasn't as bad as usual of course. At the very end though you can hear when I start to step on the brake how it gets louder then dies down as I press the pedal. EDIT: I have tried for hours to upload the 1 minute video, I give up. It was a mp4, I converted it to mpeg and still just sits there. Sorry...

Thanks...

 

Could you tell us how many miles are on your vehicle?

If, you feel you have isolated the squeal to the left rear wheel, are you sure the caliper is free to move AND possibly due to the excessive heat the "O" ring around the caliper piston may not be able to retract the piston enough to prevent the pad from dragging against the rotor.

The miles might help explain if no other work was done to the brake system as to why the noise is showing up.

 

48000 miles on the car - both rear calipers were replaced last April. Have replaced pads and rotors twice before. Husband found a little slippage in one pad yesterday, fixed that and hoping that was the issue. He has torn everything apart and can't find any other issues. Wondering if the parking brake is held up? I've never ever used it. Won't know 'til I start commuting again tomorrow.