I have a 2010 Dodge Ram V8 Hemi that just hit about 70,000. Just for the past couple days there have been some awful noises coming from the front end. While at lower speeds and I hit the brakes to come to a complete stop I hear a pretty bad grinding noise and feel some vibration. At higher speeds when I hit the brakes it is more of a ‘softer’ sound and not a grind. It almost sounds like air is getting loose (if that makes sense).Furthermore even while not hitting the brakes and while accelerating it is making odd noises; almost like a combination of the ‘air’ sound and a rattling sound.

Does anyone have any clue? Common sense tells me it’s the brakes but I don’t feel much of a difference in the brakes performance. Last month when I had a tune-up completed and they completed one of those 22 point inspections they said the brakes were fine. When I get home I will see when was the last time I have got the pads replaced. I believe it has been between 2 – 4 years.

Anything else that can be causing this other than the brakes? I plan on taking it in to the dealership either tomorrow morning on Thursday morning but was hoping I had an idea what could be wrong beforehand.

Thanks for the help!
David

 

Pull a wheel off and inspect the brakes. Those "courtesy inspections" are a waste of time. Don't trust someone else's judgment on the condition of your brakes.

 

Just went back and saw the last time I had brakes were June 2013 with 30000 miles. So I am thinking it is the brakes. Weird part is I did not hear any kind of noise coming from the brakes before yesterday. I always thought they made that squealing noise before it got to the grinding noise. Also, would bad brakes cause the front end to make noises even when im not hitting the brake pedal?

 

Yes. If they are worn to the backing plates, you have metal touching metal.

 

wheel bearing?

 

There are a lot of cars and trucks these days that don't have the squealers on brake pads anymore. Might as drive till they grind anyways because rotors are pretty much one use only. Cheap and thinner metal.