Breaks squeeking

[Retrospekt]

When I release the break the back left tire makes a very weird noise. It sort of sounds like a rusty spring being released. My uncle said something about a cylinder not being oiled, causing it to rub and squeek when released. What exactly is this and what do I use to lubricate it?

[murphy390]

Does this happen when the car is moving or when it is still stopped? If it's moving I had a similar issue on my 97 Camry. The brake drum had built up a layer of rust over the years and it began to scrape against the metal backing plate. Grinding off the rust (or replacing the drum) can solve that issue.

[Retrospekt]

It happens both while moving and standing still.

[Mike Gerber]

Let's assume your car has rear drum brakes. If your car does have rear drum brakes, then there are 6 raised spots on the backing plate where the brake shoes rub against the backing plate. (The non ABS generation 3 cars had rear drums, while the ABS cars were upgraded to rear discs.) What you need to do is remove the rear wheels and the rear drums and slightly pry each shoe away from the backing plate using a slotted screwdriver. You can do this without removing the rear shoes. Pry on the metal backing of the shoes, not the braking material portion. You will see 3 raised spots on the backing plate under each shoe. You need to take some high temperature silicone disc brake grease and an artists brush or even a Q-tip, and apply a bit to each of the raised spots. Be careful not to get any of the grease on the braking surface of the brake pads. The shoes will rub against these raised spots as they move back and forth and can make noise if they are dry and/or rusted. After greasing these 6 spots, put the drum and wheel back on and take the car for a ride. See if this solves you noise problem.

Mike

[Retrospekt]

The rear wheels are indeed drums. I tried taking the wheel off just now and for some reason can't get it off. I removed all the bolts and raised the car so that the wheel spun freely...it won't budge. I don't want to pull too hard because I'll end up knocking the raiser loose and scratching my car.

Thanks for that info Mike.

[Mike Gerber]

If the wheel hasn't been off the car for a while it usually rusts to the hub around the center. Try sparying some PB Blaster around there; let it soak for a few minutes and then try tapping it off. If it doesn't come off easily, you will probably need to get under the car and tap the wheel with a piece of wood and a good size hammer from the back side. Just make sure you put a jack stand under that side before attempting this. An alternative is to stand outside the car and give the tire and wheel a good kick.

Mike