GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

So... after I park my car for a night or so, when i start it the next day, i hear from the front end, a single pop (coming from the brakes?) or two separate pops (one on each side?). I am uncertain of what it is. It happens only when i first start moving forward and apply the brakes lightly. Usually only one occurence a day.I have seen other posts about loose brake calipers/pads. Might be the same issue.Anyways, I was going to take it to a dealer to be looked at. The car is 2007 still under warranty. If I need new brakes, it wouldn't be under warranty, right? And what would new front brakes and labor cost for this car? It is a base 07 Vibe model with an automatic and 32K miles.Is 32K miles early for wearing out brakes? THe car hasn't seen a lot of city stop-and-go traffic.

Quote, originally posted by zdkaiser »So... after I park my car for a night or so, when i start it the next day, i hear from the front end, a single pop (coming from the brakes?) or two separate pops (one on each side?). I am uncertain of what it is. It happens only when i first start moving forward and apply the brakes lightly. Usually only one occurence a day.I have seen other posts about loose brake calipers/pads. Might be the same issue.Anyways, I was going to take it to a dealer to be looked at. The car is 2007 still under warranty. If I need new brakes, it wouldn't be under warranty, right? And what would new front brakes and labor cost for this car? It is a base 07 Vibe model with an automatic and 32K miles.Is 32K miles early for wearing out brakes? THe car hasn't seen a lot of city stop-and-go traffic.could be as simple as a shim thats moving because of the lack of grease.If you take it to a dealer be prepaired for them to want to replace the rotors as well.If you have the dealer do the work a simple FRONT brake job would run you about 80-120 bucks with out rotors... If they replace the rotors it could go as high at 200-300.Yea 32k is very early.I have 22k on mine and the shop i take mine to for inspections thought i put on brand new pads before the inspection was done because they said they looked brand new.I laughed and said i use my brakes very little, all engine braking and I put my shocks and struts to good use lol I expect to get 100k out of my brakesAs far as warranty. Brakes are not normally covered. As long as they don't replace anything they shouldn't charge you. A few years ago with another car I owned i had brake issues. The dealer resurfaced the rotor at no charge.

Got my car back today. THe mechanics said they were totally confused about the noise. They did indeed admit to hearing it once, and looked over the entire front end and brakes and concluded that is was just the brake pad popping back into the caliper. Or something like that. "Normal for the car." I'll assume they are correct.

It's not NORMAL for the brakes to pop. stupid dealers...

since i have driven it the last two days, i haven't heard the noise... so that is a good sign.

if the brakes are clacking when brakeing at low speeds it could be warped rotors. I have a tendency of slamming the brakes and sliding the car around for fun so i find my rotors getting warped a little bit to often. but yeah it could be a number of different things. I'm glad it's went away for ya

I have a 2008 with 28K and heard the same noise. I assumed I heard it only because I have the windows down now.It ONLY happens when the car has been sitting for over night and ONLY happens once (not every time I apply the brakes). I can back out of the driveway and apply the brakes with no noise and go down the street with no noise. But as soon as a apply the brakes at the end of the street, 2 pops/clicks. It's definitely from the front. I won't hear the noise again until the next morning.No one else has heard this??? Guess I'll take it to the dealer.

Quote, originally posted by p8md »No one else has heard this???My 2008 has been doing this since day one. It only happens after I've backed up and applied the brakes in reverse. The popping noise usually happens only once per side when I apply the brakes the first time going forward again. At first, I was concerned something might be loose in the front suspension but after reading this post, I've determined that it's the front brakes as has been described by others.Considering the brakes are working fine, I'll keep listening for any changes and file this in the category of normal.PlatinumVibe08

OK, I finally took the car to the dealer to fix the popping noise. The dealer had the car all day and I was waiting for a phone call. I finally called them at 4:00. They said they were confused for most of the day. They have listening devices that they can attach to certain parts of the car. They said the loudest noise was coming from the ball joints. They have ordered new ball joints and will be in next week.My question is... does this sound logical? It just doesn't seem quite right to me. The noise only happens when the car sits for a while (more than a couple hours). You can back out of the driveway/parking space and apply the brakes with no noise. Put the car in drive and accelerate with no noise. BUT, when I apply the brakes in forward it pops twice. The rest of the trip I cannot hear the noise. I'm not going to argue with the dealer. It's still under warrantee, so I don't have to pay for it. If it doesn't fix the problem, at least I will have new ball joints AND whatever else it takes to fix the problem. I would like to hear your opinion.

Quote, originally posted by p8md »The noise only happens when the car sits for a while (more than a couple hours). You can back out of the driveway/parking space and apply the brakes with no noise. Put the car in drive and accelerate with no noise. BUT, when I apply the brakes in forward it pops twice. The rest of the trip I cannot hear the noise. like this?http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38005

I know this is going to sound funny...I bet most of you with popping brakes, haven't done a proper pad bedding on your brake pads.. Well, the bedding is done to burn off the phelonic binders used to hold the pad material together.. you literally burn the pads in... WELL, if this isn't done, there is no real telling, how long it would stay in the pads under the typical driving, the brakes just never get that hot.. So, if the plastic (phelonic) isn't burn off, it could be just warm enough to "stick" to the rotor... In the morning, after a good cool down... blink, it sticks once and once it's released, won't stick again till the next day????????/?????????????????????/????????????????????////

Update: New ball joints were installed and the dealer said it fixed half the problem. They said it quieted the left side, but not the right. I assume it didn’t fix anything since it only fixed half. They are going to keep the car another day and call the GM service “help desk” (I can’t remember the exact title) tomorrow and try to get more ideas. I will update when I get an answer.

I received a call from the dealer again this morning. They have now located the noise to the brakes (No $*!# Sherlock). They have ordered new brake caliper brackets and new caliper "sliders" (I think this is what he said). I assume it's the slider bolt or collar that the calipers slide on. I will update when I hear new news.

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »I know this is going to sound funny...I bet most of you with popping brakes, haven't done a proper pad bedding on your brake pads..LOL, that is funny. Maybe it's a muffler bearing going out. Mine shouldn't though since I did the proper muffler heat soak cycle. Quote, originally posted by p8md »I will update when I hear new news.Please do. Looking forward to see if you get any results from the dealer playing the guessing game and throwing new parts at your Vibe.PlatinumVibe08

Quote, originally posted by PlatinumVibe08 »LOL, that is funny. Maybe it's a muffler bearing going out. Mine shouldn't though since I did the proper muffler heat soak cycle. If you would have quoted more of my post, I did explain the WHY of my idea... Seems semi-logical to me??

I have the same issue with my Vibe and it only occurs when the vehicle is being driven for the 1st few miles, after that it goes away. Not sure if it matters or not, but I do NOT have ABS on my 08 Frosty. The 2004 DOES NOT do this and it HAS ABS.

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »If you would have quoted more of my post, I did explain the WHY of my idea... Seems semi-logical to me?? Sorry, no disrespect intended. I truly thought you were joking. While your idea may be valid in certain instances, perhaps racing applications, it isn't the case here with the popping noise in the front brakes on the Vibe.My guess is that the brake pads are shifting back and forth in the caliper. Since many Vibe owners have noticed this same noise and described it the same way and no one has had any brake failures or abnormal wear, I'm choosing to accept it as normal. Of course, if I notice any changes with my Vibe, I may change my tune.As it stands, I have no interest in going to the dealer to either be told that it is normal, or have them start swapping out perfectly good parts with hopes that the noise will go away.Just my opinion.PlatinumVibe08

Quote, originally posted by PlatinumVibe08 »Sorry, no disrespect intended. I truly thought you were joking. While your idea may be valid in certain instances, perhaps racing applications, it isn't the case here with the popping noise in the front brakes on the Vibe.My guess is that the brake pads are shifting back and forth in the caliper. Since many Vibe owners have noticed this same noise and described it the same way and no one has had any brake failures or abnormal wear, I'm choosing to accept it as normal. Of course, if I notice any changes with my Vibe, I may change my tune.As it stands, I have no interest in going to the dealer to either be told that it is normal, or have them start swapping out perfectly good parts with hopes that the noise will go away.Just my opinion.PlatinumVibe08 You are welcome to your opinion... BUT, you discount my very feasible idea for one just as un-likely... I wasn't referring to racing in ANY way really... The fact is, I bet 90% of people on the road today are driving without properly bedded brake pads... I bet YOU are... Proper bedding of pads has nothing to do with racing... it has everything to do with extracting everything possible from the brakes.. Phenolic is PLASTIC, that holds the pad material together, untill it is burnt off by the heat of bedding, and actually sinters the pad material (melts the friction material together)Just offering ideas, it seems people are running out of them...

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind » The fact is, I bet 90% of people on the road today are driving without properly bedded brake pads... I bet YOU are... You lose that bet. My brakes pads are properly bedded. Since I am familiar with the popping noise that is emitted from my Vibe, I can assure you that it has nothing to do with brake bedding.Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Just offering ideas, it seems people are running out of them... No problem in offering ideas, Sublimewind. We all appreciate your input, but there will be times where your ideas won't necessarily apply, and it's important that this is pointed out, such as in this case.PlatinumVibe08

So the members who are experiencing the "popping" noise have ABS or no?

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »So the members who are experiencing the "popping" noise have ABS or no? I do not have ABS on my 2008 Vibe.PlatinumVibe08

Quote, originally posted by PlatinumVibe08 »I do not have ABS on my 2008 Vibe.PlatinumVibe08 So that is 2 NON ABS owners with the noise.

no abs on my 06

Quote, originally posted by bull77 »no abs on my 06We are up to 3 now...

No ABS on my popping front end (#4). I talked to the dealer to clear up what is being ordered. They are ordering new slide bolts and the sliding bracket/shim that the pads ride on. Hope this helps. It's going to be next week before it is back to the dealer. Also... concerning the bedding process. If they were improperly bedded, I would assume they would "pop" when you first applied the brakes (forward or reverse). This only happens when in forward for the first time.

It was but another idea to throw at the problem... wasn't saying it was right, or even close, but is seemed at lease semi-logical.. If it is disproven, all the better... sometimes it's GOOD to be wrong.. lol..

Quote, originally posted by p8md »I received a call from the dealer again this morning. They have now located the noise to the brakes (No $*!# Sherlock). They have ordered new brake caliper brackets and new caliper "sliders" (I think this is what he said). I assume it's the slider bolt or collar that the calipers slide on. I will update when I hear new news. p8md,Did you get your car back? What's the word? Any info will be appreciated.Thanks,PlatinumVibe08

Mine doesn't have ABS either and the brakes pop nearly every morning (just once though). It must be a design flaw, or just a normal thing for this car. I don't think there is really any huge problem with the brakes even with the popping noise.

They gave me the car back to drive until the parts came in. I called last Friday and the parts were not in yet. Thanks for the reminder to call them back. I will update everyone as soon as it is fixed.

Funny because my 03 GT is doing the exact same thing making that clicking sound, i can take off and the first few feet you can here it, The sliding pads theory makes since to were as i only here it when i take off but when someone figures it out let me know.I replaced my struts they were bad thought thats what it was nope, dont think its a ball joint when they go bad its pretty noticeable. and it usually only clicks when your turning full turn. but interesting that alot of others are having same problem this thread may save someone a pricey dealer visit.

I honestly think the popping in the front end is just something that these cars do. I haven't noticed anything terribly wrong with my car. In fact, it doesn't even do it every morning when I drive it. It is really weird though.

The parts finally arrived (slider bolt and caliper brackets) from back-order. I took it to the dealer this morning and recieved a call back. They installed the parts and... it is still popping. They are going to call the tech line again. They may have the car over the weekend. I will update when I get more info.

i'd say just get used to it. that is what I did, because my car spent some time in the shop (when it was still under warranty) and they couldnt figure anything out with the popping.

Quote, originally posted by p8md »The parts finally arrived (slider bolt and caliper brackets) from back-order. I took it to the dealer this morning and recieved a call back. They installed the parts and... it is still popping. They are going to call the tech line again. They may have the car over the weekend. I will update when I get more info.Thanks for the update and we're looking forward to hearing the final diagnosis from the dealer.Quote, originally posted by zdkaiser »i'd say just get used to it. that is what I did, because my car spent some time in the shop (when it was still under warranty) and they couldnt figure anything out with the popping.Yeah, like you, I've accepted my popping noise as normal and my feeling is that p8md's dealer will ultimately arrive at the same conclusion.PlatinumVibe08

OK... the dealer says the popping noise is gone. They called me yesterday and asked if I had ever changed the brake pads. After only 33,000 miles, I would hope not! They said the pads were about 1/2 worn, but the service manager said to go ahead and change the pads with AC Delco pads. After changing the pads, they say the noise is gone. It makes no sense to me. I have not changed the brakes on a Vibe, but I have done MANY brake changes, so I understand the mechanics behind a brake system. Does this make sense to anyone else???

Quote, originally posted by p8md »Does this make sense to anyone else???Well, not really, but everything doesn't necessarily have to make sense all the time as long as the desired end result is achieved.Ultimately, you get to be the judge. Drive the Vibe and listen for the popping noise. Let us know how it works out for you.PlatinumVibe08

Same problem I have: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38637No ABS on my car. Base 1.8 2008

OK... I drove the Vibe around for a few days and never heard any popping noise. Now after I got that fixed, I sold the Vibe 5 days later. Not because of the noise, just to get a larger vehicle. Short-term the new brake pads seemed to help the noise, but I won't be able to test the long-term affect.I already miss the Vibe.

Wow, this post has been going on for a while.I know its been a while but since nobody really solved this issue I figured I would fill you guys in on the issue and add another twist to the puzzle. I spent a number of years as a Ford mechanic and have run into this before. So when my '05 Vibe (with ABS) did this I checked a few things.First off, like most of your cars my Vibe only did it first this after a good cool down and usually only first thing in the morning.Second (and nobody said a word of this yet), my car only did it the first couple time I applied my brakes while travelling in the opposite direction that I last went when I last applied my brakes the night before. Example: If I pulled forward into my driveway the night before then backed out in the morning the fronts would click the first time I applied the brakes in reverse. And vise versa if I backed into my driveway.So heres what mine was doing. The brakes pads were sliding within the calibers. I know this sounds bad or not right but follow me here. Those of you whom have done a couple brake pad changes on any type of vehicle you already know that not all pad backer plates are the same. If you buy one brand they can slide into the calibers perfectly snug while other you have to "convince" to fit, while even other slide in, almost too easy. Now when metal is heated it expands. So as you apply the brakes the backer expands and takes up the "slack". Thus, no more clicking or sliding with in the calibers. This is why sometimes a new set of pads will fix it and sometimes it wont.For mine (now with 78,000) I replaced the pads when they went bad (didnt worry about the "clicking") and applied a good heavy brake caliber lube to the calibers and backs of the pads to help dampen any clicking or vibrations that may have been there to start. With the new pads the clicking is gone.To hit on the properly seated pads. You are correct the pads do need to be properly seated by creating a high temperature environment to burn off the residue as well as get the pads to form to the rotors. Commonly performed with several sudden stops from high speed. But being careful not to warp the rotors.I hope this helps guys.