Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!

Post by **NSimkins** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 11:52 am

If you are encountering or have encountered any brake-related noises on your Vibe or Matrix, please post here answering the following questions in your reply including any additional information.1. Is the squeak/groan coming from the front or back?2. Does the noise go away after driving the vehicle for awhile?3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather?4. Does the squeak condition occur on a slope (ex. driveway), or hill, or flat ground?5. Is there build up of brake dust on the wheel when squeak condition is occurring?6. Is this on a Vibe or Matrix? Also denote model (GT, AWD, XRS, etc.)Any feedback would be appreciated as it will be used for 'active research'.

Altus · Post by **Altus** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:17 pm

Front, no - in fact it gets worse, cold / wet mainly, slope *special*, no dust, Vibe base.Noticed this the other day when it was fairly chilly (-8c) -- after driving to a friends and parking on their sloped driveway, when I got out and the car settled up and back a bit there was squeaking coming from the front end. Rocked the car a bit, and definately related to movement forward & back, not up/down -- hence my belief it could be brake related.Haven't had a chance to get a wheel off and check thoroughly though...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:19 pm

No noises, except for the ABS functioning. A very reassuring noise, that is, by the way.But I do notice a lot more brake dust on this car than on my Sunfire or any previous car I had for that matter...Also, my brakes don't seem to have the stopping power they did a few months ago...feels like they're wearing quicker...but I could just be braking harder than I used to...so I don't know...

millster · Post by **millster** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:33 pm

I have a pretty loud squeak coming from the front mostly when it's cold. It only happens once or twice on a trip, but it's quite loud. When it's wet I've had a grating noise from both front and rear that would go away after the first few miles.I've not noticed any change on hills versus flat ground. It's does it no matter what.I have also noticed quite a bit of brake dust, but really nothing more than any other cars I've owned.Last, this is on a Vibe GT.

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:01 pm

Hiya...Noticed in the past 2 weeks that I get a squeak pulling out of the alley then usually by the next stop or 2 (Wihin a mile) then it seems to be fine. It's colder now and it has been damp as of late. I assumed it was one of those 2 conditions causing the squeak. Nothing major though it does remind me of pads at the begining ofbeing worn. 15,800 miles so far on it.1. Sounds like the back2. Within a mile3. Cold and/or Damp4. Flat to slight decline5. I don't really know.6. Vibe GTDave

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 2:17 pm

Not really a lot of noise from my brakes, but they do seem to "grab" unexpectedly and fairly harshly. Almost always happens when I'm going down a hill and only applying a slight amount of pressure to the brake pedal. It grabs quickly and slows the car down a lot (it's annoying because I never know when it is going to happen on a hill), then goes back to normal. This only happens when I'm applying slight pressure to the pedal, just to slow the car a little while going downhill. It happens in any weather and at any temperature. It usually happens on my way to work, since I go down this hill about everyday, I notice it there more often. I thought this was normal, but now I'm thinking it's not. 2003 Base Vibe without antilock brakes

huy397 · Post by **huy397** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 6:01 am

Some noise from the front ( not sure about the back ) when I first start the car.ie. when I am backing out of the parking lot in the morning, the front brake squeaks ( a high-pitch noise ) when I apply the brake.It seems to be away after a couple of blocks though.

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 6:20 am

Quote, originally posted by DavidPIL Â»Hiya...1. Sounds like the back2. Within a mile3. Cold and/or Damp4. Flat to slight decline5. I don't really know.6. Vibe GTDaveExactly the same symptoms on my Vibe GT.

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 7:06 am

Hi...Not really complaining yet though. I've been told it's a normal thing to happen with disc brakes. My old Oldsmobile sounded like dump truck brakes (without so much squeak). My old truck would squeak just before they gripped then if I was on gravel, the backs would lock up even though I had ABS. Slightly letting up on the brake pedal made it a non-issue.Haven't noticed much noise until lately but it's finally getting consistently cold and staying damp. a squeak or 2 like the pads are wearing but seems to be fine after a few stops or miles down the road. I'm not too concerned yetDave

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 4:56 am

Quote, originally posted by huy397 Â»Some noise from the front ( not sure about the back ) when I first start the car.ie. when I am backing out of the parking lot in the morning, the front brake squeaks ( a high-pitch noise ) when I apply the brake.It seems to be away after a couple of blocks though.Just noticed this starting here as well. Shoulda kept my mouth shut. Base model.

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 12:13 pm

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 12:28 pm

The only brake noise we've had is when the hand brake is released. It makes a grinding sound like plastic being crushed.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 1:53 pm

That's not normal...do you hold the button in as you let down the lever? If so, get it checked! Shouldn't hear much of anything while releasing that...

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 9:35 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»That's not normal...do you hold the button in as you let down the lever? If so, get it checked! Shouldn't hear much of anything while releasing that... Yes, I do hold the button down when releasing the brake. I'll have it checked when I bring the Vibe in for my 2 free tires and alignment early in the new year. Happy New Year

Bdaz1 · Post by **Bdaz1** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 1:16 am

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»1. Is the squeak/groan coming from the front or back?2. Does the noise go away after driving the vehicle for awhile?3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather?4. Does the squeak condition occur on a slope (ex. driveway), or hill, or flat ground?5. Is there build up of brake dust on the wheel when squeak condition is occurring?6. Is this on a Vibe or Matrix? Also denote model (GT, AWD, XRS, etc.)Any feedback would be appreciated as it will be used for 'active research'. Nick, FYI1. Comes from the front2. Goes away within a 1/4 mile - after first couple of stops.3. Ocurrs in cold and/or wet weather - never warm weather to date4. Flat ground - noticed right upon starting & backing out of garage.5. No brake dust build up.6. Vibe - Base 2WD

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:25 am

Sorry to (removed) in but this sounds like the normal small build-up of rust on the front rotors which occurs on pretty much all cars when parked in damp and/or cold weather. At slow speed like backing out of a garage, sort of a groaning, grinding sound. After a few stops the pads wear off the thin film of rust and a shiny and silent rotor returns. I hope this helps. P.S. There is no noise from the rear because a base 2wd has rear drum brakes.Quote, originally posted by Bdaz1 Â»Nick, FYI1. Comes from the front2. Goes away within a 1/4 mile - after first couple of stops.3. Ocurrs in cold and/or wet weather - never warm weather to date4. Flat ground - noticed right upon starting & backing out of garage.5. No brake dust build up.6. Vibe - Base 2WD

usher · Post by **usher** » Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:38 pm

1. Noise from back (Grinding, watery noise)2. Usually dissipates somewhat after driving.3. All conditions.4. More extreme on a slope, but on flat ground as well. Loudest when moving slowly.5. Doesn't seem to be more dust than typical.6. Vibe AWD.I've had this problem checked out twice, to no avail. It gets worse after routine brake servicing. This would indicate to me that something is amiss with the drum and the pads start to conform to this, until they are serviced. Any suggestions on how to get the dealers to rectify this problem? I've been to 2 with no luck.

stkos79 · Post by **stkos79** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:15 am

noise from rear drum brakesworse when coldmostly heard 98% when back out the drivevibe 2wd no gtoh ya new shoes and machining the drums was no curebut can argue not as bad as centurys and montanas

OutLaW · Post by **OutLaW** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:25 am

Drum brakes are usually worse then disc. They hold the moisture.Exactly what you don't want. I know this has nothing to do with it but I had a Yamaha Blaster and it had drum brakes on the front. I'd have to take them off and clean them like once every 2-3 weeks. It was horrible. I'm sure cars aren't to far off.

Fudog · Post by **Fudog** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 9:39 pm

1. squeaking from front, drivers side. Just before X-mas had to have rotors resurfaced new stock calipers and pads.(passenger side was cathing the first time) Car was just under 36,000 miles.2. did at first but just got worse with time.3. Seems like both to me.4.again it dosen't seem to matter. Had a scary episode coming from Reno to Sacramento all down hill coming out of the mts. Brakes kept grabbing bad almost pulled me off the road twice.5. I get lots of dust all the time.6. 2003 sat silver base 2wd vibe. Bought in may of 2002.(it's the one with the hatchback)

kostby · Post by **kostby** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:52 pm

1. Front or back? FRONT2. Does the noise go away? YES3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather? BOTH4. On a slope? YES Only backing down the 5-degree sloping driveway in the morning.5. Is there build up of brake dust? NO6. Model? 2003 BASE Vibe ~23,000 miles

RoundUp · Post by **RoundUp** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 12:10 am

I get both cold and hot squeak. The cold squeak affects the rear drum brakes. It usually occurs when I am leaving in the morning. I am not sure whether it is worse with wet weather. It usually goes away after a bit of driving. The hot squeak affects the front disk brakes. The noise usually appears after driving for a while so I notice it when coming home at night. I can't tell how much brake dust I have because I have the steel wheels. I notice most of the noise on slopes. I have an AWD Vibe with 31000 km.

03VibeGT6Spd · Post by **03VibeGT6Spd** » Fri May 21, 2004 3:52 pm

Our government put a stop to making asbestos brake pads, as it is a health concern and very deadly.So most new brakes are full metalic pads, which you know what metal grinding metal sounds like.They make most of there noise when there wet or damp! some people discribe it as grinding, squealing, chattering.usally when you use your brakes once or twice it heats up the rotors enough to dry them off, and that normally quites them down.1 good thing about this is the new pads last much longer. and there better for for are health, non asbestos.there are a couple bad thing to.They tend to crush, mushroom, & warp the rotors.(before the pads go bad, because how hard they are)make strange noise which sounds like worn out brakes.

bcell0311 · Post by **bcell0311** » Tue Jun 29, 2004 5:53 am

Yes, rubbing noise coming from the front. Started at 18000mi. Back to dealer once for tire rotation (their call). Its getting worse so I have another trip to the dealer. Happens in all weather, under all conditions. Model is Base Vibe, AT...otherwise a good reliable car.Really has me worried though as I am accustomed to the reliability of Honda and Acura.

drw2514 · Post by **drw2514** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:33 am

Quote, originally posted by usher Â»1. Noise from back (Grinding, watery noise)2. Usually dissipates somewhat after driving.3. All conditions.4. More extreme on a slope, but on flat ground as well. Loudest when moving slowly.5. Doesn't seem to be more dust than typical.6. Vibe AWD.I have the exact same problem. A really loud grinding noise from the rear and something that sounds like a little water sloshing around. It dissipates after awhile under normal driving conditions, but it still makes the same noise under hard braking. it's constant almost every day when i first start driving. and it's augmented by a horrible squeal from the discs in front that doesn't seem to go away at all. it's really quite annoying. i've only had it checked out once, and the guy told me it was normal and there was nothing he could do about it.

russ257 · Post by **russ257** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 8:25 pm

1. front right2. no3. just started 4. all the time5. dont think so6. vibe awdi need new brake pads basically

londonbob · Post by **londonbob** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 4:56 am

I have a 2003 Vibe, auto, brakes make a snapping noise like a loose brake pad when applied...noise comes from front.Only happens a few times a day then goes away.It has been inspected...everything tight..no fault found??

tecton · Post by **tecton** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 11:45 am

the front brakes squeek downhill when cold under constant use....03 awd

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 9:50 pm

Raybestos PGD923QS Brake Pads: QuietStop; Non-Ferrous for all Vibes (Front pads) GM Doesn't list a DuraStop Ceramic Application yet, but Raybestos MAKES the Durastop line for GM.The Ceramic pads are quieter, and have almost ZERO dust.

amynoelle · Post by **amynoelle** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 2:15 am

I have two brake issues to describe. The first is the same problem many others are experiencing: when it is damp or even very humid, the brakes grind and squeal when the first applied, but not after that.1. Is the squeak/groan coming from the front or back? back, I think2. Does the noise go away after driving the vehicle for awhile? yes3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather? damp, even very humid weather can make it happen4. Does the squeak condition occur on a slope (ex. driveway), or hill, or flat ground? happens anywhere5. Is there build up of brake dust on the wheel when squeak condition is occurring? I don't think this is a factor.6. Is this on a Vibe or Matrix? Also denote model (GT, AWD, XRS, etc.) vibe fwd baseThe second problem is just as annoying. Have been to the dealer twice on this, and each time they repair the problem, it happens again within 3 days or so. The right rear brake makes a squeal noise each time I push the brake pedal. The noise only lasts for a second, even if I continue to have my foot on the brake. Pushing the brake pedal down when in park does not produce the noise. The dealer has told me that it was an accumulation of brake dust, so they cleaned it out and charged me $50. The noise began again within a few days. Brought it back to the dealer, same response, but no charge for the cleaning. Any ideas if this could be some other problem? Driving around town (especially looking for a parking spot in a lot...) can get very tedious with a squeal each time the brake is applied.... and I get a bit nervous when my brakes are making a strange noise.....1. Is the squeak/groan coming from the front or back? back2. Does the noise go away after driving the vehicle for awhile? no3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather? happens anytime4. Does the squeak condition occur on a slope (ex. driveway), or hill, or flat ground? happens anytime5. Is there build up of brake dust on the wheel when squeak condition is occurring? the dealer says yes there is.6. Is this on a Vibe or Matrix? Also denote model (GT, AWD, XRS, etc.) vibe fwd baseWell, this board is great, hopefully someone will have some insight into my squeak.amynoelle

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:26 am

Quote, originally posted by stkos79 Â»noise from rear drum brakesworse when coldmostly heard 98% when back out the drivevibe 2wd no gtoh ya new shoes and machining the drums was no curebut can argue not as bad as centurys and montanasDitto on the noise coming from the back brakes when backing cold.Some front noise when cold, but I replaced mine with ceramic, so thats the ONLY noise

remusrm · Post by **remusrm** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:23 am

well, my brakes were replaced around 2500 miles. they said the pads got glazed. now the same griding noise is back after around 500 miles. i think is the quality of the pads/rotors. i will change them at 5-7 k for sure. also the back need to be adjusted everytime you change your pads or your fronts wear out. just adjust the back ones to get closer to the drum, and you will see your noise will go down...

pingber · Post by **pingber** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 4:28 am

1. comes from the front ...groaning/grinding sound2. goes away after awhile3. occurs mostly during wet weather with 3-4 passengers4. all conditions, flat and hilly5.yes6.vibeI'm glad that someone is doing this ...I experience this problem when its really raining hard, the brakes sound like the pads are gone, they grind and growl. Eventually, it disappears after the car has dried out a bit. THe pads have 15K on them but are still quite good, so I don;t really know what's going on. Additionally, they are sometimes reallt 'grabby' ..so much so that if you're not ready for it, you can actually leave your seat... hmmm... are the problems related??As for rust ... the rotors are never really that rusty .. so I don;t think its rust related problem.

jasonvibe · Post by **jasonvibe** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:17 am

Remusrm, Adjust the rears??? these ain't Fords. I had an '81 toyota. 180k, never adjusted the rears. I thought everyone has auto-adjusters as with all GM's. Is this adjustment recommended in the owners manual?????? I had a brake shop adjust my brakes as you describe...only to overtighten them and wreck the drums.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 1:42 pm

1. Is the squeak/groan coming from the front or back? Back
2. Does the noise go away after driving the vehicle for awhile? It happens only when parked and the e brake is applied.
3. Does the squeak condition occur in cold/wet /warm weather? It's been warm and wet.
4. Does the squeak condition occur on a slope (ex. driveway), or hill, or flat ground? On a sloped driveway wake it worse, but I can hear it a bit on level ground.
5. Is there build up of brake dust on the wheel when squeak condition is occurring? No
6. Is this on a Vibe or Matrix? Also denote model (GT, AWD, XRS, etc.) 2009 Vibe GT, 44,400 miles, original brakes.

This issue just started I parked in my driveway and as soon as I applied the ebrake I get this groaning noise from the back of the car, it continues any time I move in the car/get out. Is it time for new brakes?

Halo9809 · Post by **Halo9809** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:37 am

My dad has a 2003 vibe base model, we bought it and all was good and we drove ti about 15k miles in about a six month span, yes a lot of driving, and they got to the point where it was "that car" at the intersection and stop light so I changed them for my father only to discover that the brake pads were fairly new and the edges of them were oddly grinded away. I replaced them. They squealed only in dry weather. Replaced them and as for now, all is good, as for future = ?_?

Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!

Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (Toasted7)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (DavidPIL)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (dmitri)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (huy397)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (Sunny)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (ragingfish)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (Bdaz1)

Re: Brake-related noises

Re: Brake-related noises (usher)

Re: Brake-related noises (stkos79)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Brake-related noises (usher)

Re: Brake-related noises (drw2514)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Ceramic Brake Pads

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Brake-related noises (stkos79)

Re: Brake-related noises (tnpartsguy)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here! (NSimkins)

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!

Re: Encountering any brake-related noises? Check here!