grinding noise from front left wheel on GTZ

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

iv noticed a little while back a grinding noise coming from my front left corner when braking, until this morning that is when it starting doing it all the time. any guesses? brake pads maybe? please help! and if there is anyone in the wellington region that is good with this stuff that could help out would be much appreciated! im useless with anything mechanical...

cheers guys

[KwS]

i would almost bet the pads are worn down to northing and its just the backing plate vs. rotor.

Have a look through the wheel if you can, and see if there are any big gouges in the rotor, and you may also be able to see some of how thick the pads are if you look at the calliper the right way. Otherwise, whip the wheel off and check it out.

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

yea i had a feeling it could be the pads worn down to nothing. there is no big marks or anything so maybe it has only just got to that stage. i have to drive home from uni with it like that but ill have a look when i get home. if it is pads is there anyone around that can change em? my expertise go as far as car audio unfortunately...any help would be much appreciated! i no i sound like an idiot sayin i cant change a brake pad but i guess you have to start somewher!

[AE82 FXGT]

If it's only when moving, I'd check the pads, rotor (anything fouling), and wheel bearing

[themaleman]

some(most?) break pads have a little piece of metal that will start rubing as ur break pads near the end of there life, probly just that, shoudnt cause damage

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

oh tru. similar i guess to how sometimes people get that real high pitched noise when they run down. looks like im gonna need some new fron pads! any recommendations on good brands? or shall i just go to repco

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

just to get my facts straight i have most of it sussed. tell me if im right!

take the wheel off, remove th caliper, (this next part im not sure about) move the piston to back to the original place? im guessing it moves closer as the pads wear down, but thats just my guess! now when u put the new pads on the caliper there is some grease you are meant to put on right? what is it?

please let me know if i have missed anything and also how to move the piston thing! iv got the general concept its just how to move the thing now. i think once i get back from uni and have an actual look at it it will make more sense.

[1I1]

When you go to press the piston back in you should clamp off the brake hose (with a proper tool - vice grips not ideal) and losen the bleed nipple with a piece of tube on it going into container to collect the brake fluid. Press in the piston and then tighten bleed nipple. May even pay to bleed brakes a little after doing this?

[Mr GTZ]

Easiest thing for you is to get someone to do it for ya, but if you wana have a go then your gona need a set of poly grips to push the piston back, you can get specialized tools but don't want to complicate things any more than they are. Be careful and watch you brake fluid resovior it will rise cause you are pushing the fluid back into it.

DON'T put grease anywhere near the brake pads. It's copper coat that you use and it goes on the tips(top and bottom part touching the caliper cradle) of the pads backing plate. It just aids the pads to slide freely.

DO NOT FORGET TO TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS YOU HAVE TOUCHED!!!!!
Have heard a few nasty stories about forgetting to tighten bolts & nuts.

Also while the caliper is off it pays to check the slides are moving freely. It won't hurt to put some copper coat on there also. Good Luck.

[Bling]

My advice is to ask someone you know local if they will give you a hand for a box of beers. Brakes are something you don't want to learn the hard way with I'm sure theres a local toyspeeder that will lend a hand.

Nothing wrong with giving it a go by all means, but if you aren't confident enough (yet) i'd personally go with the above for piece of mind. As long as they know what they are doing haha. Once you've done it once, its easy next time around.

[Crimson Tears]

In my opinion if you're not confident in what you're doing you shouldn't be doing it. Especially with brakes. At very least get someone who's replaced them before give you a hand.

[.:O4AGTZ:.]

yeea i had this thort at the back of my mind that since i dont want to be going down the motorway just to see them bouncing down the road behind me i should probably get some help. any toyspeeders in wellington willing to lend a hand? thanks for the input guys! i learnt something today lol, pity i was at uni all day and didnt learn anything there...

[AE82 FXGT]

your gona need a set of poly grips to push the piston back

I find using a g clamp and the old pad is good way of pushing the pistons back, makes twinpots easier to deal with.

Also you can get anti-squeal compound that comes in a spray can (apply to the backing of the pad, not friction side!!), I find it works a treat on cheap aftermarket pads, not needed oem though.

[Rob]

I find it hilarious in my drunken state that you decided too wait from a little while back until now to put a post up about grinding he shit out of your discs.....One would think that if you heard this kind of noise whilst braking , One would figure f*&$k my brakes are F"&^*())(ked.

I apolagise for any offence tanken

Nice