I have a sound coming from the front driver side wheel of my '04 M/T. It sounded like metal on metal and was getting worse over the last 3 days. It was mostly on right turns, but started to happen during most revolutions even while straight (although a left turn can get it to go away, and a right always brings the sound back).

I thought it was the wear indicator, but it looked like the pad still had a good amount before that point. I didn't know if perhaps the inside pad had one too. The inside pad was definitely worn down more (on both sides of the car) and was close to replacement time.

I bought new ceramic pads (cheaper and basically no brake dust - oh that and I don't have $200 to spend on the Brembo's right now) and installed them. The rotors are worn, but look smooth and in good enough shape. Both calipers look identical and fine. The car stops good with the new brakes, but I still have the same exact sound coming from the driver front tire.

It is very loud and hardly goes away now. The pads looked worn identical between the two sides of the car. I can't find anything else that appears to be rubbing, but the scretching sound does go away after hitting some bumps; it will return after braking or taking a right turn.

I had the car up on jacks this weekend and with the tires off I couldn't reproduce the sound even by going through some gears, and taking rights and braking (no I didn't have the suspension all the way up). As soon as I put the tires back on I didn't even get out the the garage and could hear that it was still there.

If anyone has any ideas that would be great.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

I got the car up on jacks and was able to reproduce the noise enough to use an auto stethoscope. I've narrowed it down to the caliper or rotor. The sound is definitely coming from that area. Its just about time for new rotors anyway, so I think I'll replace them and go from there.