Friction/screeching on right hand side brakes MX5 Mk3/NC

[mattk89]

Hi,

2007 Mk3 Mx5

I've very recently developed a near enough constant screeching sound from the right hand side of my car. I can't quite tell if it's the front or back, but suspect front. It's a high-ish pitched friction screech which I suspect is from the brakes because the noise goes under braking.

Took for a quick test drive this morning and the noise is there when driving straight but disappears when turning left (slightly or fully). Turning right is not as consistent, but seems to be worst when straight. Gave it a few heavy brake moments and it did eventually go for a few minutes, but then came back.

Not noticed any pulling to the side either under braking or not.

Last Service in December noted 6mm (front) and 5mm (rear) pad thickness. Not done a huge amount of mileage since then but have been commuting by car for the last 2 weeks.

I've booked into a garage for Tuesday but would love to see if there's anything I can do myself this weekend.

Thanks

[littleredrooster]

Some (OE?) pads have a crude wear indicator which is a piece of spring steel positioned such that it contacts the disc when the brake pad is worn. It makes an awful screeching noise.

[Belle427]

Or a stone stuck somewhere, start by jacking it up and spinning the wheels.
Pads could be knackered if you have a stuck caliper so worth taking a look at them.

[Nickp82]

It’s usually sticky/stuck caliper piston or slider pins with MX-5s, especially as you’ve not been using it that much

[reggie747]

littleredrooster said:

Some (OE?) pads have a crude wear indicator which is a piece of spring steel positioned such that it contacts the disc when the brake pad is worn. It makes an awful screeching noise.

This ^^^

[mattk89]

reggie747 said:

This ^^^

This was absolutely it. I should have checked the manaul but just assumed the wear indicator would make a noise when the brakes were applied.

Rear pads replaced and all good now.

Thanks all.