Brake (Metal Scraping) Sound After Washing Car

[lfh]

Has anyone else experienced the following problem?I have a 2005 Vibe, FWD (with ABS), Automatic transmission and approximately 1,600 miles. After washing the car today, and driving the car into my garage, I noticed that each time I applied the brake, there was a very loud sound like metal scraping on metal or possibly metal scraping on cement (almost like the brakes were locking up). I put the car into reverse and applied the brake and the same very loud sound was noticeable. Again, I pulled the car forward into the garage and each time I applied the brake, the same very loud metal on metal scraping noise was apparent. I turned the ignition off then back on and backed the car out of the garage and went for a short 2 mile drive. Now everytime I applied the brakes they behaved normally and were very quiet. I've had the car out in several bad rain storms and have washed the car on several previous occasions and this loud noise has never occurred before. I've had brake problems with other vehicles in the past, i.e., bad rotors, bad calipers, bad pads, bad shoes, etc., but this is the first time I have experienced such a loud, unusual sound while applying the brake. Could this be some unusual problem with water and the ABS system? I have a feeling it's one of those transient problems which would go undiagnosed by computer if I took the vehicle in to the dealership.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Your brakes were probobly wet and they needed to try off... Wet brakes will squeak like that.silver's right, happens to me every time - just a few normal braking applications will make the noise go away.

[lfh]

This sound was more than just a squeak due to wet breaks.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by lfh »This sound was more than just a squeak due to wet breaks.True, I should have elaborated. I do get the squeaky brakes right after I wash the vehicle when the brakes are wet. When they dry after sitting there (not driven yet), the rotors will sometimes oxidize (or look a little rusty). This oxidization will be removed by the brake pads when you apply the brakes, but by just pulling in and out of the garage, you will get the grinding/squeaking noise. If this only happens to you after washing the vehicle or if the brakes get wet then cool, then it is normal. No need to take it into the dealer unless you truely feel it is necessary.Hope that helps.Quote, originally posted by from a google search »The rotors are bare steel. Bare steel will immediately begin to oxidize (form surface rust) in the presence of oxygen and water. This phenomenon is easy to see on certain wheels that allow you to easily see the rotors behind. And yes, the brake pads press pretty hard against the rotors to stop a car. This action will naturally scrape off that surface rust...almost immediately, leaving bare steel exposed to the elements once again.

[lfh]

Many Thanks for your comments. The sound really wasn't a grinding,oxidized rotor type of sound but if it happens again, I plan on taking it in to the dealership to have the brakes checked out.

[Mavrik]

you'll probably be told what I tell all my customers who insist that something was wrong. "we checked it out and everything is fuctioning fine, dampness on the rotors and pads will do that until its burned off." My Vibe does the same thing if I let it sit after washing it. The odds of there being a material brake issue that 'goes away' is unlikely. And since your car is new, very doubtful.Of course we didn't hear the noise, you did and to everyone, sometimes the same noise sounds different. But I'm going to agree with Silver and Nick on this one and from my own experience.

[Jahntassa]

After you wash, or after it rains, visually check the brakes and see if there's signs of orange oxidation on the rotors. If there is, and if your brakes are a little more responsive than usual, then they're probably right. My wife asked me about this the other day, and I gave her the same explanation as Nick and Silver.

[silver_vibe]

About 3 weeks ago, my brakes started making this sound too. It (the metal grinding sound) comes and goes. It doesn't sound like the wear indicator, but since I have 30,000 miles on the car, I plan on changing the pads this week. I've checked Kragen, AutoZone and Pep Boys for the pads, but no one has them in stock. I guess I will have to special order them.

[POLO]

Me to it happen,when i wash my car and i drive after,when the brake is wet it make this noise.You must wait to drive a several hours after you wash your car.

[Vibespread Panic]

Ive had the same problems w/ that grinding sound and last week had a REALLY loud squeek like an indicator but it was much louder and eventually went away. Took it in for an inspection and had 75-80% of my brakes left. Diagnosis: Just rust for the grinding and probably had a pebble or something in there while it was skreeching. Fit as a fiddle now.