Rep Power: 209

OK, so brakes are done, and I've noticed a rubbing-grind sound. I've had this same sound for a while now, and it was one of the reasons I replaced by rotors/pads.

Well, today after the parking lot dried up enough, I went out and jacked up the LF wheel - got it off the ground and hand-spun as fast as I could. I could definitely hear rubbing. As a comparison, I then lowered the car and went over to the RF wheel, jacked it up and hand-spun same as before... definitely heard rubbing.

So: after today's troubleshooting, here's where I'm at:

* There's always been a slight rubbing-grind (not too loud) from the front wheel(s) area(s)
some days are worse than others

* I only notice this rubbing-grind when braking at lower speeds
If it's happening at higher speeds, there's too much other noise covering it up. It might be, but I don't know.

* the rotors and pads are brand new
Installed on Monday. Brakes were bled, too.

* wheel off the ground and spun, rubbing sound is there (both sides)
Can't really hand-spin up to 30kph (lol) but should I be hearing ANYthing when hand-spinning a wheel?

* Removed RF wheel and did a push/pull hand inspection of all components - everything is tight, nothing wiggles or anything.
Only thing I didn't do was disassemble everything and re-install.

Sooooooooooo....... any ideas?

TIA!

 
Rep Power: 0

Hmm not really sure.. but i know on my car if i drive early in the morning i can hear a weird rubbing sound from the brakes or sometimes after rain.

 
Rep Power: 209

UPDATE: Just went out with Mrs. Grendel, and on our way back, I drove through a stretch with zero traffic and almost no noise other than my car... slowed down and we both thought we could hear rubbing, and I didn't have the brakes applied.

 
Rep Power: 209

So, just for giggles tonight, I took apart the RF brake setup to troubleshoot a bit further (rubbing sound and clunk). (started noticing the occasional single 'clunk' today). Decided to back up through the install process and re-install, just to see what might happen. When I pulled the outside pad, it looked weird on the edges... here it is compared to the previous pad (new is on top):


Now.. since the original pad doesn't look like this, I'm guessing this isn't normal?

Causes? Suggestions? Ideas?

 
Rep Power: 236

You didn't use any lube on the bolts your caliper slides on. This causes your caliper to bind when the piston pushes on the rotor. And that is why your pads are screwed. You need new pads and lube for your bolts and you'll be fine.

 
Rep Power: 209

Actually, no, I didn't lube any bolts up..
New pads I can deal with, though.

Any DIY that shows how to do this bolt-lubing-thing?
Any recommendations on what lube to use?

Thanks for the answers!!

 
Rep Power: 236

http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...itch=&hidIrno=

#13 and #18. When you go get pads just ask them for lube for your calipers.

 
Rep Power: 209

^ Thank you thank you thank you!!

 
Rep Power: 209

UPDATE: took the brake assembly apart on each front wheel.

Pulled out the caliper pins. One would barely move! Once I got it out, I saw right away that it had rust on it, would have been right underneath where the boot grabs onto it (there's a little lip there for the boot to slip over). Took a wire wheel to it - rust disappeared! Lubed the hell outta it with some Raybestos silicone, put everything back together....

And the issue is definitely better. There isn't NEAR the amount of rub noise I heard before, and the car almost felt like it was accelerating easier (no more rubbing/resistance maybe?).

I'm still getting the sporadic CLUNK. But it's probably just a matter of time before I get that one figured out, too.

All in all, a good day! Just ran outta time. Next chance I get, I'll do the rear pins.

Thanks for the assist, folks!

 
Rep Power: 209

Turns out the 'clunk' I've been hearing is due to my brake pads - apparently, they're slightly too small!

 
Rep Power: 254

What pads did you get? And you guys in canada have rear disk breaks? We have drum here in the US

 
Rep Power: 209

They were just generic eBay pads - that's probably what the problem is LOL

I've got discs on the rear because I've got an Acura EL (sort of a luxury Civic EX)

 
Rep Power: 236

I'm jealous. Always liked the front end on the EL.

 
Rep Power: 209

OK, the clunk is gone!

Got rid of the shitty no-name pads, and installed some new Monroe pads - NO MORE CLUNK!!

Now, I just have to tackle a rattling heat shield (at least that's what I think it is).

Thanks for the replies, folks!