Pulsating, squeaking noise in rear end when braking

[kthomson]

Well, the subject says most of it. But, a lot of detail here.

Vibe 2005, FWD.

When braking, there is a pulsating, squeaking noise (pretty loud) that comes from the rear end and seems to be from the right side. The brake pedal pulses very slightly in time with the noise.

At temperatures below -5C, there is almost no noise until the brakes have been used for a number of cycles (10+). At temperatures above this or during non-winter temperatures, the noise is louder and happens as soon as brakes are applied. I can leave the house in the morning at -10F and the noise is almost non-existent until I have used the brakes for a while but when I leave from work (car has been indoors (19F), the noise is apparent immediately when braking.

Have had the car to the local garage 5-6 times as they serviced the brakes last summer. They have done everything they can think of including swapping components from left and right side and replacing all brake components on left side to original OEM parts. The noise did not follow the parts being changed form left to right.

The only thing that has not been done is to replace the parking brake cable(s). I think that is my next step as I'm running out of ideas myself.

Anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks,
Kevin

[vibrologist]

Maybe it is not the brakes but the suspension. The momentum created by the brakes is transferred onto the suspension. Check the suspension bushings, struts and so on.

You could disconnect the e-brake cables for a test (and only for one test!). If disconnecting the cable eliminates the symptoms you found the cause.

Also: don't completely trust your feel for locating the source of the noise/pulsation. Check the front brakes for thickness variation and other issues as well.

[gtv237]

Next time you take it to the shop with pulsating or pulsing brakes, ask them to check the runout of the rotors. 9/10 times any pulsating noise or feel is from excessive runout.