Noise in rear brakes?

[espritnutdean]

After a spirited drive in my esprit, usually after a bit of a work out of the brakes I hear a vibration in the rear brakes (my car is an 88 w/ inboard brakes) kind of like when rear drum brakes get wet after a carwash and shudder and make that noise that makes you cringe as you are anticipating something to falling off. Any input would help as the transaxle is out of the car now and would be a good time to repair whatever it is.

[GUY JOHNSON]

One do the rotors look good?
2 check your pad to see what kind of shape they are in.
Check to see if the calipers are functioning properly.
Sounds like the same problem I had, Only when I looked underneath my rotors were shot because of a bad caliper .

Guy

[espritnutdean]

The rotors are in great shape, they were turned when I had the pads done about 5k ago. It is like the pad is viberrating on the rotor when they heat up, not a warped feeling, no pulsing in the pedal, no fade either, and they don't look glazed. It's one of those things where it won't do it for weeks, then one day it does it like 3 or 4 times in a row. I was going to just fit new pads while it's apart to see if it does the job.

p.s I love this forum!

Happy boosting,
Dino

[GUY JOHNSON]

Temperature might have an affect on the pads.

Guy

[cnh1990]

Are the anti rattle clips in place?
Calvin

[jonwat]

Dean wrote:
The rotors are in great shape, they were turned when I had the pads done about 5k ago.

There's a minimum thickness which if you get below can cause the symptoms you're getting

Hope this helps.

[jbrauer]

I'm not real familiar with the inboard brake set-up.

If the calipers/rotors are located close to a source of grease or oil such as leaking seal, one of the pads could be oil soaked. This can cause a sticky caliper that could chatter in some cases.

Good Luck!

Jeff
'99 V8 Titanium

[PatHeald]

I get exactly the same vibration in exactly the same circs.

Rear brake judder/vibration, usually when the brakes are hot and under gentle pedal pressure, such as just coming to a halt at a junction.

Sounds a bit like a loose caliper, or pad rattle.

My car is a 1987 Turbo HC with 22k miles on it, so I don't think the rotors are too worn/warped.

Looking at the rear brakes is my next job, once I have finished replacing the radiator.

I know this doesn't help you yet, but once I diagnose the problem I will post my views.

Maybe you will do the same if you beat me to it.

Good Luck.

[lotusguy]

ENDean,

Sounds as if you have a pad binding up. This can happen if the pad plate isn't exactly the right match for the caliper such as an aftermarket high performance pad or the like. I always include a good metal file amongst my tools when doing brake work. This is so I can file the pad plate to slide freely on the caliper, something few shops ever take the time to do. Also, be sure to liberally apply a silicon grease to the edge of the pad plate (take care to only lube the edge) to further insure that the pads slide freely. I would not be surprised that once you check your pads, you'll see very uneven wear as one pad is sticking and continuing to contact the rotor, even once the pedal is released. It has probably been binding for some time, but sufficient wear has now ocurred to allow a sympathetic vibration. Unfortunately, the solution means replacing the pads after only 5k mi., but be sure to file them so that they freely slide on the caliper this time. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE

[espritnutdean]

Thanks for all the input guys. It will be a while before she is back on the road. She's going through a complete eng rebuild right now, so Pat if you beat me to it, keep me posted, I'll do the same.

Happy Boosting
Dino