Scratching Noise While Braking
 

I just traded in my 2003 Sunfire GT for a 2003 Protege5, and I just LOVE it!!

I have noticed that when I brake (except when braking hard enough for the ABS to kick in) there is a scratching noise coming from the front right brake. It almost sounds like sandpaper going over metal. The car has no lack of stopping power, and the brakes grab very quickly and the car doesnt pull to either side, so I don't think the brakes need replacing. I've been told that it is just from the rust in the rotor, and after a few days it should wear off and the noise will go away. Does this sound right to you guys, or could it be something more urgent like warped rotors or bad pads??

Thanks

No way it's rust on the rotors. I live a block from the ocean and there's rust on my rotors every morning. after one stop, they're cleaned. ONE stop. ;)

It sounds to me like you need new pads. There's ad indicator tab that sticks out a little bi from the padst and when your brake-pads are almost worn out, it'll contact the rotor and make a screaching noise.
One way to confirm that this is the issue is to check your brake fliud level. If it's a little low, then that means the brake piston is forced to travel a little farther to make the pads contact the rotor and stop the car. Moving that piston takes brake fluid, and if your fluid appears to be a little low, then chances are you need new pads. :)

Cliffs:
Check yer brake fluid. If it's low then your problem is probably worn out brake pads.

BTW: Congrats on the P5!! After almost 5 years, I still love mine. :D I don't think there's a better looking wagon on the road for anywhere near the money, and it'll surprise you with it's balance, I'll bet. :bt:

If its like sand paper its normal. Welcome to the land of semi metalic brakes. I usually dont notice it as its very quiet and its too cold to have the windows down now.

THe wear indicator is a skreetch you cant mistake it.

Ya, it doesnt sound like the wear pad indicator, but it's certainly noticable when Im braking. I just looked at the pads and compared them to our Alero, both have about the same amount left.

I'm taking my car in on Wednesday to have the brakes looked at. The vehicle inspection had the pads at 5/32" front and back, and the rotors at .932 front and .382 rear. I will let you know what i find out on wednesday.

Thanx for the quick replys.

fixed
 

So I just got my car back, and the inside pad on the front right side was bad. They replaced all the front pads and machined the rotors, now the car stops on a dime, and doesnt make a sound :)

I have the same problem with my NEW braking system, not sure what the hell it is. Got 4 brembo rotors and hawk hps pads, makes a sandpaper sound as you described, i dunno why. another thing is the pads are not touching the disc completely.. i can tell because theres rust on half the rotor where the pad is "supposed" to be cleaning it but it seems its not touching it, any ideas??

^ I had the same problem with the stock pads/rotor on the front. With new pads/rotor and it is okay.

-puzzled.

Hi Guys,
Same problem with my 03sedan started over the weekend. At times though there was a rattle on bumps. My 92 Protege did nearly the same thing at about the same mileage, 58k, so this morning I bought some Wagner Pads. I tried to replace the pads and they would not go into the caliper. I was real carefull not to bend the small spring clips that hold the pads and the wire return springs that push the pads away from the rotor when the brake pedal is released. These I view as very critical to proper brake performance and should not be damaged or altered. The originals went back in the calipers with no fuss. Anybody else had a problem like this? Anybody know of a good shop manual for this car?

The wagner pads might not work.I bought a set of autozone pads a few months back and when I tried to get them in they were completly diffrent.

So I went to the dealer picked up a stock set and it fit fine.