I have returned with another question. A few days ago I started noticing a squeal coming from under the car. It has gotten louder and louder over the past few days and it is most noticable when another car or something is on the right side of the car for the sound to bounce off of. It seems to be coming more from the right front tire than any other, but it could be coming from others. I notice that it stops when I apply the breaks, but as soon as I let off it starts up again. It is very annoying and probably moreso for those outside the car that have to hear it when I pass by.

I'm not sure how to approach this since I only know how to change a tire, and only have brief experience with that. Could it be the breaks or something else? I would think that if it were the breaks, it would squeal when applying breaks rather than the opposite. When the car was bought (used) the tires did seem a bit rusty, but I dunno if that has anything to do with it or not. I don't want to go shooting grease or WD-40 into the wheels and have it suddenly not be able to break or move. Anyone know what this could be and a possible simple solution? Or is this something major that should be seen about immediatly and cost lots of money to fix?

Thanks in advance for any and all help and info.

 

this sound is normal when the break pads need to be changed. all pads have a built in metal tang that rubs the brake rotor when the pad is almost at the end of it's life. change the pads now BEFORE your kill your rotors. they may need to be changed or turned any way. before you drive a long way rub the rotor surface whith the back of your finger nail. if you feel an unevan surface, get the rotors turned.

if money is tight get a repair manual at your local parts store. not a hard job to do, basic hand tools and time is all it takes. good luck.

 

ah mine has done the same thing. Took it to the shop got it looked at, I don't know what type of stratus yours is but it would be funny if it is an ES because thats what I have same year and everything. It my just be a hard spot on your pad, it does go away. But I recommend taking it to a shop and just have them look at it, most will do for no charge. Im just saying from experience. Haha but now I have bearing issues. :-x

 

does this only happen whenever u go over like 40-50 mph cuz i had a 2000 stratus and thats what mine did and i found out the axle was rubbing on something i dont remember what its called but maybe u can check it out

 

Time for some new Pads<!>

 

Thanks everybody!

I don't think its an ES. There's nothing inside or outside of the car that would seem to indicate that. All I see is "Stratus" and the manual says "2000" in it. It does it at pretty much any speed over say...5mph. You can't really hear it with the windows up, so I tend to try to keep them rolled up. Heh. But that isn't easy to do when the AC doesn't work. [>:] So it needs to have a bit of work done to it to say the least. Bad AC and bad breaks/wheels. Shame I can't take it to the same shop to do both. Its also a shame I don't have another car to use because they may have to keep it for a while to fix it.

The thing I'm wondering about is, if it is the breaks, how come it stops squealing when I put on breaks? Its very noticable when driving around in a parking deck. The other thing I'm wondering about is wether or not a shop will fix it since it has been on fire before.

 

The reason it squeals is as tomethedog stated. Brake pads have what is called a "squeaker" built on to them. As your pads get low, the pressure from the caliper pushes the brakes closer to the rotor to maintain braking surface. As this surface gets lower and lower, eventually the "squeaker" comes in contact with your rotor. This is like a warning sound indicating that your brakes need to be changed. The reason why this goes away when braking is because its being squeezed. During normal driving, the squeakers will rub the rotor.


Your best bet is to take it to a shop and have them take a look at the brakes. Most places like Midas, Meineke, Car-X, and a few others will do a free inspection. Simply allow them to indicate what's wrong. Upon going thru with that, you can make a reasonable decision based on information you know and can find out.

Honestly, I would go down to your local Advanced Auto Parts or Auto Zone, get a Haynes Manual, and purchase new front rotors and new brakes. All in all, you should spend about $120 for brakes/rotors, and probably $14 for the manual.

Brakes/rotors should take you about 90min per side as a novice....and feel free to hop on here and ask for questions.