My 2015 FIT at $70K is being plagued by brake noises that shops I've taken into can't seem to resolve - I've got all brake pads replaced, and even the rotors! Rear drums also serviced as well. I even had one front hub replaced because it was a fraction off straight.

Anyhow, whenever I apply the brakes slowly, I hear this sound what best I can described is like a mattress spring or a creaking door hinge that needs oiling - it's not a grind, clunking or squeaking sound like common brake sounds can make.....I thought it might be a suspension related issue, but rolling the car very slow while applying even pressure on the brake the noise is there.

Backing up the car and applying the same type pressure on the brake pedal the noise is absent. Applying the brake hard, the noise isn't here as well.

Wanted to check in to see if anyone has experienced this or have any thoughts.

Thank you

 

This will be nothing more than a guess so hopefully someone will jump in with better info.

My guess is that you got cheap or cheaper metallic pads. The metal in the pads will scrape along the rotor and create a squeak or squeal. Something with a "squ". This is one reason that people spend more on ceramic pads/shoes.

 

I'm wondering if the sound is coming from the brake components themselves.

At the time of last pad replacement, if the shop failed to use brake grease on the back of the pads or contact points, this is exactly what you'd get. The squeaking noise you hear is lack of lubrication every time the brakes are applied.

It might be as simple as taking all the pads off, greasing the backs and contact points, and putting it all back together again.

Surprised the second shop didn't consider this. First thing on my list.

 

Thought I'd give an update on this - so I got a water hose and sprayed water onto the front rotors and brake calipers/pads on both sides. Started the Fit and went drove 50km to my destination and right off the bat, no sounds from the brakes - complete silence. Then on the way home with 5 kms to go, the noise came back as is.

Weird....don't know what to make or think what could it be, so hoping someone can chime in on what it can possible be contributing to this.

Also, forgot to mentioned, the noise prior needs about 4 km before the noise is apparent.

 

Curious, how did you think wetting the brakes would help? Brakes take longer to stop when wet, so you're compromising braking distance and thereby your own safety.

You need a brake inspection by a competent mechanic. Not sure why you're resisting this.

 

Clearly it's an issue with a rotating assembly rubbing against a stationary piece...something that is absorbing enough moisture that it holds it long enough to keep it moist for a while, before heat is able to evaporate it.
I don't think it's the pads, as they would evaporate the water much faster (depending on how much you use the brakes as well as how hard).

If I were in your position OP, I'd do the following:
1. jack up each wheel at a time and rotate each wheel with the tire on the hub. If you aren't able to find the source, move onto step 2
2. drive the car to a vacant location, then put the vehicle in neutral with the windows open and shut the engine off. Then proceed to roll the vehicle along a flat surface while listening for the wheel that's making the noise. Having someone listen/push will help the process.

 

Did you spray the water after the car had been driven? If you did it when the brakes were hot it might've led to warping (or perhaps unwarping). And maybe the noise came back as it rewarped? Not an expert but thought this might be a possibility.

 

Since I do my own brakes, if this was an issue, I'd disassemble and reassemble everything just for my own peace of mind, in case I missed something initially.

 

sounds reasonable.

 

Yes.

I wonder if the pad retainers are scraping on the rotor or something... 🤔