Squeak in the back wheel

[frankie]

I have developed this intermittent squeak in the one of the rear wheels on my new Toyota Highlander (5000 miles). The dealer, of course, does not hear it. It happens when I am going between 5 and 20 mph, brakes applied and not applied. Does not happen every time I drive. Can hear it sometimes when the car is cold and even after prolonged driving. Dealer has come to the conclusion that given the humid weather from the last 2 weeks, I am hearing the scraping of rust buildup on the rotors and the pads. Sound good to you folks? Anyone care to shed some light on this for me? Thanks.

[manek]

What's a Toyota Highlander? -Manek-

[Factory Hound]

It's a 4x4 that they sell in North America, not seen one in the UK yet. It looks like this: www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/images/01highlander2-1.jpg

[smeagol]

More detail please, Does the intermittent squeak increase rate as you accelerate, or is it constant? Does the weather alter the sound? eg you don't hear it in the rain. Have you tried jacking the car up and spinning the wheel? (does that produce the squeak) There could be a variety fo reasons for a squeak but answers to the above will help narrow down the search. Edited by smeagol on Saturday 18th August 16:48

[McNab]

frankie, if you answer smeagol's questions he will be able to point you in the right direction. BUT, if all else fails, why not contact Toyota? Have a look at www.toyota.ca and click on 'Contact Us' for address etc. Phone calls and E-Mails won't work. Write to CUSTOMER RELATIONS at Head Office. I did this here in the UK recently (different problem, but excellent response).

[frankie]

Thanks for all the help. It seems to have gone away now. I brought the car to the dealer and their conclusion was that it was rust build up on the rotor. And given the very, very (and I mean very) humid weather we have had in NY, that was causing the squeak. So for now, I am relieved. Does anyone recommend buying a solution or spray for my rotors to keep that rust build up to a minimum. Thanks again. You are all very helpful.

[apache]

frankie, yes, you can spray WD40 or similar on to your brake discs to stop squeal and rust build up.......it will also render your brakes totally useless, your choice

[Roy C]

If you get rust on your brake disks (rotors) the best way to clean it off is by using the brakes. Don't be tempted to use any fluids other than brake cleaner.

[smeagol]

Roy C is absolutely right if it is rust on the brake disk then you cannot clean it off, other than using your brakes. However I'm not convinced it is rust as you said in your original post that it happens at the end of journeys. If its rust on the brake disks this would go after about 3 applications of the brakes.