GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

quick description...i move the car in reverse (backing out of driveway) and brake...no problem. I travel in a 'forward direction' ...no problem. The first time i brake going forward i hear a metallic 'pop' from the rear drum brakes.Only happens the first time i brake going forward and only after braking while going backwards. No correlation seen with use of hand brake.what, in the drum brake configuration, would be doing that?thanks.

My first guess would be the brake shoes adjusting. Just a guess, as I've not seen how the base Vibe's drums are designed.My '69 Ford has drums on all 4 corners. I've had a lot of experience lately. Blah.

Sounds like the auto adjusters to me too. Most adjust only when backing up and then applying the brake, although in some newer cars the actuation of the hand brake does the adjustment. I do not know what type we have. Pull the drum and check for proper operation, most of the time if there is a problem it can be fixed by cleaning (removing rust and brake dust) then lightly greasing the moving parts. Do not breathe in the dust, most people just use the garden hose to wash out most of it.I grew up with most cars having 4 wheel drums, they suck compared to disc. Long live 4 wheel disc.

thanks...i was a little concerned but it doesn't sound like a critical issue. I'll deal with it when i rotate my wheels.