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Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Kuyaromeo
Novice
Oct 29, 2018, 7:41 AM
Post #1 of 12
(1518 views)
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Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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2013
Cadillac
Escalade
49,000 Miles
I bought a 2013 Cadillac Escalade (used) about 6 months ago, from a dealer out of state. When I purchased, I had to have it inspected in my home state. At that time, my local (and trusted) dealer informed me that the rear rotors were rusted pretty bad and they should be replaced. Money was tight (I had put a lot of cash down on the vehicle purchase, and some other unexpected bills) and so . . . I did not replace the rotors at that time. I talked to my service guy and he let me know it was NOT a safety issue and would not cause the inspection to fail. BUT, I should replace them when I can. He did tell me that the pads looked pretty new.
I will be replacing them in January (it's only 8 weeks away), as I will be better funded at that time. But, I wanted to provide some history of my problem before I go into more detail. Overall, the brakes have been fine and not caused any issues.
Fast Forward . . . This weekend, I started to hear some significant grinding noise coming from the rear. To be clear, I have absolutely no mechanical skills at all. I first assumed the pads must have worn down quickly . . . because that's the exact type of noise it is making. I visually inspected all 4 brake pads, and it looked as if there is still plenty of pad left on all 4.
I took the car to my Dad's because although he is not an 'official' mechanic, he used to do body work and he knows a lot more about cars than I do. Dad had me drive around the lot so he could stand on both sides of the car and detect where exactly the noise was coming from (sometimes it sounds like it's coming from one place, but actually stemming from a different place). The noise sees to be coming from the Driver's side rear brake.
My father confirmed that the pads are fine. Fairly new. So that's not the noise. He said it could also be a stuck caliper or something.
In Summary:- Grinding noise is only coming from one brake (Driver's Side Rear)
- Pads are fairly new and not worn out.
- Grinding is NOT constant. Does not happen when brake is not pushed.
- Grinding does NOT happen when slowing from high speeds.
- Grinding does NOT happen when slowing to take turns.
- Grinding only happens for the very last few seconds when coming to a complete stop.
Any ideas or suggestions? Probably, when I replace the rotors . . this issue will self resolve? Does it sound like a dragging caliper? Or a small stone lodged between the pad and the rotor? Could it simply be the rusty rotor causing the noise?
I really don't have the funds to get the rotors replaced for another 8 weeks. I am hoping that I can find an alternative fix, or just deal with the noise (if it's not dangerous to the car, or safety) until then.
Thanks!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 29, 2018, 9:36 AM
Post #2 of 12
(1513 views)
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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It took 6 months to notice rusted rotors? Not sure what that means and yes rust can ''impregnate'' even new pads and wreck those. They really need to be all apart to inspect not just a wheel off or thru the wheel find out what's really going on.
Is a splash shield rubbing for example. Does it and other things look like the vehicle was submerged in water in other ways? All questions if from a "Cadillac" dealer I'd expect them to sell it ready to go all things checked and or done for legal inspections if just pads slapped on and just glancing you just don't have enough to know why and what it will take to fix it yet.
Safe? There again they should be worn evenly and look even both sides if not a warning there's more wrong than you know,
T
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Kuyaromeo
Novice
Oct 29, 2018, 10:35 AM
Post #3 of 12
(1507 views)
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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It took 6 months to notice rusted rotors? Not sure what that means and yes rust can ''impregnate'' even new pads and wreck those. They really need to be all apart to inspect not just a wheel off or thru the wheel find out what's really going on.
Is a splash shield rubbing for example. Does it and other things look like the vehicle was submerged in water in other ways? All questions if from a "Cadillac" dealer I'd expect them to sell it ready to go all things checked and or done for legal inspections if just pads slapped on and just glancing you just don't have enough to know why and what it will take to fix it yet.
Safe? There again they should be worn evenly and look even both sides if not a warning there's more wrong than you know,
T
Hi Tom
It Took 6 months to notice rusted rotors? No. As I stated above, I bought the car 6 months ago (out of state GM Dealer), and took it in for an inspection within the week (in my home state Cadillac Dealer). During that inspection, the rusted rotors were found. I was told that it was not a safety issue but I should replace them. I didn't really have $700 sitting around to fix it and so I decided to put it off until January when I will have the funds.
Then I mentioned . . . fast forward to now. Now is when I began hearing the grinding on the rear drivers side brake. Previously, I knew the rotors were rusted, but there was no vibration and no issue that I could notice. Now, suddenly it's grinding when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, but not when I slow down (ie to take a turn, etc). Sorry if I was unclear about that.
The vehicle has some rust - but I am not sure if that's common or not. The entire outside of the vehicle is clean. But, I do notice a bit of rust in cracks . . like when you open the door. It's 5 years old, and has been in the Northeast for several years. We do have harsh winters here, so I am not sure if this vehicle has any rust issues that would be 'above and beyond' . . to guess that it had possibly been submerged or in a flood. Carfax had come back clean. My local dealer (not from whom I purchased the car) ran the VIN for me before buying it . . and found no issues, other than routine maintenance.
My guess is that the dealer that sold me the vehicle in Rhode Island . . . found the rust rotors and just slapped some pads on. Because when I took it in for the initial NYS (my home state) inspection . . my dealer informed me of the rusted rotors and told me the pads looked brand new. And because it would not cause inspection failure and it was not a safety issue, I didn't think I could go after the selling dealership for rusty rotors.
Anyway, the rear pads do look as if they are worn pretty even.
Also, I went out, on my lunch, just now and played with the ER brake . . . as someone in the office mentioned that it can sometimes get caught and cause a grinding sound . . but that did not resolve the issue.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 29, 2018, 10:53 AM
Post #4 of 12
(1503 views)
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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I'm from MA in the same rust scene so know the troubles well and fast. You just don't win tossing in pads on rusted brake parts. The pits are deep and come right back now there's noise they still need what I suggested is totally dismantle them and see what happened. Just pads is a no no professionally. AYOR for very few would do that never mind a Cadillac dealer!
Thing to have done now too late is go right back and complain they were never right. Hey last Winter was a record here and all around the sand and salt use was just insane either RI or CT would do the same it depends on where and how vehicles are driven or park it and don't drive in that crap if avoidable?
Costs - no question Dealer pricing of OE dealer parts is going to be max. You can look up parts but that's not the whole scene. There are cheap parts and better ones and YOUR cost if YOU buy them is wholesale a repair place charges retail and takes responsibility for what THEY sold you is why.
I feel your pain - rust is just unforgiving be glad if only brakes and not invading the whole vehicle already!
How about this but just a maybe on grace. Talk to the selling dealer with the papers you have even this late and see if some agreement can be worked out cut some cost off of the job but I can't see much but now stuck to do it right and the parts must go. Good luck seems too new for this but it isn't!
Tom (MetroWest area of Boston)
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Kuyaromeo
Novice
Oct 29, 2018, 11:58 AM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Hi Again Tom . . and thanks again for your reply.
I am bringing her in to my local Cadillac Dealer next week for an oil change. I will have them take a look at the brakes and at a minimum, find out exactly what is causing the problem. And just maybe . . . they will help me find a temporary cost efficient resolve to just get me to January. Then, I can replace the rotors, and whatever else.
I guess I was wishfully hoping . . someone might say . . sounds like a small rock. All you gotta do is push the brakes several times hard at normal speed to loosen the rock. Was hoping there might be a few simple things on my end . . but I think you are correct. It's going to take some digging, and taking apart to get to the bottom of it.
Originally, I had tried to get the Dealership in RI (where I bought it) to man up and take care of the issue. I had the car less than a week, when I took it in for an Inspection, here in NY and found the rusted rotors. I called the RI Dealership immediately (Tasca GM). I explained the problem to the Sales Manager . . and he promised me "Of course we will take care of it" and instructed me to move forward with the repairs at my local dealership. But that he could not cut a check until the General Manager was back in two days. Now . I am not that stupid to go ahead and pay for repairs based on that. So, I waited. Then, I got an email from the salesman who sold it to me (two days later). They would NOT honor the warranty on this repair unless . . .I drive the car back to RI and let them inspect it. They would not take the word of the Cadillac Dealership I have done business with for 16 years. Their only resolution is that I drive 3.5 hours back to RI, and then 3.5 hours home. Not to mention that it may need to sit in the garage for a day or two before work is complete. The cost of gas (when you get 11mpg) and hotel, and the inconvenience factor . . made me not take this path. My biggest fear is they would say there was nothing 'technically' wrong with the rotors. And I would have driven 7 hours for nothing.
I have bought several cars out of state in the past. And had great success with it. But . . . I will never buy from Tasca again. It's very obvious that they found the rusted rotors when they inspected the vehicle before they sold it to me. And they knowingly put new pads on rusted out rotors to save themselves a few dollars. They know they did this. It was a conscious decision on their end - not a mistake. And they passed the vehicle for inspection. And then when we found the issue (days after sale) . . . they wouldn't make good on it.
I am still debating to file a claim with the RI Attorney General's Office. Because this is bad bad bad business to throw pads on rusted out rotors.
Thanks for all the help. I miss Boston . . it's been a year since I was out there. It's a beautiful city.
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Kuyaromeo
Novice
Oct 29, 2018, 1:01 PM
Post #7 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Stop!! Hammer Time!! (Couldn't resist)
I get you. And under normal circumstances, I would agree with you 200%. However, I have been with my local Cadillac Dealer for a very long time and they have bent over backwards in their service department many times to save me money when things are tight. It is unusual, I know - but amazingly, my service guy really goes out of his way on things like this. There are times his hands are tied . . . but other times, he will do all that he can to help my budget.
I brought the Escalade into them a few months ago for an oil change and the right turn signal was out. He came out and told me that there was water in the lamp case causing the problem and that they usually make you get the whole case for $1,200. I think I threw up in my mouth, just a little, when he told me this. For a light? However, they were able to refurb the light for $100 and get me on my way. These are the little things that have kept me with them for 15 years. Service there is really great, and so far I trust them. Sales, on the other hand . . . I don't buy there. They won't move a bit on their pricing. I once saved $6,000 by driving 2 hours to NYC to buy my new SRX (I am upstate) over the best price the local dealership gave me. I gladly drove 2 hours.
99% of the time, I would agree - the dealer is not going to help me. But, I think and hope that things are changing. For example: I used to buy tires elsewhere because years ago, Dealers gouged you. Now . . Dealers have the same pricing as everyone else for tires. The dealership near me charges the exact same amount for the same exact tire, as SAM'S Wholesale club.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 29, 2018, 1:06 PM
Post #8 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Patching up a light is a whole lot different from the liability of doing a patch job on brakes.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Kuyaromeo
Novice
Oct 29, 2018, 1:16 PM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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I guess I am not thinking 'patch job' on breaks so to speak. More like . . . let's say the heat guard on the back of the rotor is bent and touching the rotor sometimes. Let's just pretend that's the issue. I just meant that I am hoping it is something small that can be done on the cheap . . .like manually bending the heat guard just a bit so it's no longer touching. Until I can replace the whole rotor in a few weeks. That's all.
I guess what I meant to say is . . I hope the problem is non critical and a simple and inexpensive fix can be applied to hold me over. The rotors will still need replacement. But if we can fix something small right now to stop the grinding noise - that would be ideal.
Although I am a lyrical gangster - I am not doing well at putting my thoughts into words today . . . .
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 29, 2018, 1:24 PM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Pushing a bent backing plate away from contacting a rotor is a repair in itself and totally acceptable but doing any work at all to the brakes themselves without repairing them to 100% is something I don't think any dealer will do. If it needs rotors and pads, nothing short of new rotors and pads will resolve that. They open themselves up to major liability if they do anything at all to the brakes and let you leave at less than 100%.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 29, 2018, 1:54 PM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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Kuya: Don't get caught doing just partial and more later is like playing ping-pong you need work and parts needed all done at the same time or end up where you are now again down the road.
Once rusted enough I or perhaps "we" now would say just get the rotors turned and let it go at that. You could but if rust is causing this it's deeper into metal will come back and start this all over again.
3 states involves - arggh! It's just plain easier and better with a costly used car/truck like this stay local to you for the whole thing I can see the bullshat of leaving it so you aren't going to pay for all that, motel etc - they know it.
Also I'm with Hammer (HT) you can get this for 1/2 that the dealership is stuck with something like this will default to do it all and use GM parts most of the time even if other brands are just as good some maybe better!
Don't forget the parking brake if inside this rotor type is the problem that's on top of all of this! I'm about to get sick thinking of how this could snowball (pun intended) into more than you even knew of or others yet - it's got to come apart to see!
It's just turning into a NOT FUNNY comedy of mistakes and shops who just don't have the discretion to just do the right things as I see it so far. Wish you luck.
BTW - you shouldn't have this issue it started from rust can be mitigated just using the thing daily and periodically ask to check it all most anyone wants to, to find work but can just re-grease parts, dump out brake dust if a drum parking brake type and get good life out of it,
Tom (MetroWest BTW is an area West of Boston of burbs no city like anything where I am and it's so close NEVER go in there if so WHAT FOR?)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Oct 29, 2018, 3:06 PM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: Brakes Grinding but Pads are Good
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You can do this job far cheaper.
You can buy a package with premium pads and new rotors for $80 or less if you shop around.
https://www.amazon.com/...Acadillac%3Aescalade
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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