Hi all- I think I'm going to lose my mind because I've been working on what seems like such a simple issue for a few days now. I first heard a rhythmic, pulsating rubbing from left rear wheel. I took a look and found that the pads were very worn and needed replacing. The outer pad was almost completely gone but there was still a 1/2 inch on inner pad. (No good I know) also the worn outer pad was uneven, with a lip on the upper edge sticking out past where the rotor made contact. Pads on the other side looked fine, plenty of material left. It was my first time doing rear pads since owning the car. I replaced them with Duralast Gold ceramic pads which I also have in front and have no issues with. Same issue. A rhythmic rubbing noise from only left rear wheel. I replaced all 4 calipers along with the slides about a year ago after i found a couple seized calipers. I did not replace the brackets that hold pads. I have now regreased and checked slides and everything checks out. I took everything back apart, took rotor off and checked dust shield. It was rusted in parts and I cleaned it up, put rotor back on and spun without the caliper. No noise at all. Idk if its worth noting but the ebrake shoes were completely shot but not rubbing in any way. Once I put caliper back on the rotor would spin silently 75% around then stick and make the rubbing sound 25%. Funny thing is the other side did this exact same thing when lifted off the ground but makes no noise while driving. I replaced the rotor in question thinking it's warped. Now the sound is no longer rhythmic or pulsating but I can still hear a faint dragging sound from that rear wheel. It's definitely the pad rubbing on rotor. I'm really beginning to get pissed as I can't understand what could be causing this. It's improved enough since replacing the rotor that I could ignore it but is this sound within reason? I understand that pads rest on the rotor but why haven't I heard this before?

 

Did you do fluid when replacing these parts . Check the hose for failure

 

I would check to see if the rotor hasn't froze again or a line. Uneven pad wear is a clear sign of a hung up caliper. I also think from time to time you will hear rubbing as the pads/shoes are not fastened in place.

 

+1

The fact your pads wore unevenly means your caliper has an issue. You could try putting a vacuum line to the caliper and seeing the rate fluid comes out. If its slower on one side your line may need replacing. Usually its always the caliper in my experience.

 

I get the same pulsating rubbing noise from rear after I brake hard, going from 60 to 30 in like 2 seconds or less. But the noise doesn't stick if I let the brakes cool off. I want to take off the rotor and see what's up with the brake shoes for handbrake. I suspect they're responsible for this noise. They begin to touch the inside of the rotor as soon as the rotor dilates from extreme braking or shoes could be misaligned. Anyways I can't tell until I take the rotors off. All rotors and pads are brand new Brembo parts replaced by me last year. Calipers are fine and lubricated.

 

[QUOTE=WDPanda;15813642]+1

The fact your pads wore unevenly means your caliper has an issue. You could try putting a vacuum line to the caliper and seeing the rate fluid comes out. If its slower on one side your line may need replacing. Usually its always

To answer an earlier question yes ive done fluid twice. The lines are vusually ok. Remember all the calipers are relatively new. The piston moves easily when I push it in and the pins are lubricated and slide. If need be I'll try the technique for checking the lines. I feel like I may have jumped the gun on this whole thread. The noise is better now. Next time I'm in the car I'll listen but the pulsating is definitely gone and maybe the new pads just needed a few trips to adjust to the new rotor. I appreciate the tips from everyone