Driver side wheel Chirping - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

#2! · 10-22-2009, 05:17 PM

I rolled down my window a couple weeks ago and I noticed a little chirping noise. It got noticeable driving next to walls and other vehicles. I haven't had time to pull the wheel off and look at the brakes but I don't think that's it. The sound starts right up when I hit about 20 MPH. The sound doesn't change at all when pushing the brakes or turning.
Any ideas?

finfinder · 10-22-2009, 05:23 PM

It's probably the brake pads, how many miles have you driven since your last set of brake pads were installed ?

whip_cracker · 10-22-2009, 05:26 PM

There's a bird stuck in the splash guard

Hahah, if not, maybe brake pads squealin... or struts are squeaking when compressed a tiny bit.

lee777 · 10-22-2009, 06:31 PM

Or could be a frog.
Brake pad wear warning.
Curved metal tabs that rub against the rotor disk.
It's not an emergency...they give plenty advance notice.

#2! · 10-22-2009, 07:36 PM

Ha! Ya I did hit a magpie a couple months back. Maybe its suck in there somewhere.
I pulled the rotors off and had them machined when I got the car about 15,000 miles ago. The pads looked about 75% remaining.

Does pads and shoes degrade with age?

The only reason I'm thinking it could be something else is how consistant the noise is. Usually on my other vehicles when I have brake noise it gets worse or goes away when I press the brake pedal or make a turn.

lee777 · 10-22-2009, 07:52 PM

One sure way to find out. Pull wheel off.
I have bent the tabs back 1/16 of an inch to clear friction on disc surface.
If noise disappears start looking for brake pads on special.

TMetalMan · 10-22-2009, 08:21 PM

This is an easy fix if it's the culprit: the cotter pin on the axle can cause a metallic chirping noise it it isn't tight enough. For the longest time I struggled with a sound on the passenger front wheel area (wasn't brakes or anything rubbing) until I realized that damn cotter pin was loose enough to move around and make noise. I hope it's that easy for you!

Novice_cardude · 10-22-2009, 09:55 PM

Yeah, even at 20mph the brake squeal caused by indicators is usually quiet. Especially when they have just started touching. Also when you hit the brakes the indicator should either pull slightly away from the rotor (no noise at braking) or dig in towards the rotor (makes a noise liable to cause nearby pedestrians to run for cover).

I'd look at the axle cotter pin. I've never seen one make that noise, but it's easy to check out. If you have steel wheels just pull the hubcap off, if you have alloys pull the center cap off and you should be able to see it.

If it's not loose, just lift the front end, take off the wheel, put the tranny in neutral and spin the rotor. If the noise isn't there look at the wheel, if you do hear it, track it down. If you can't turn the rotor by grabbing the studs and spinning, you can always use a screwdriver or prybar in between the studs for a little extra leverage.

#2! · 10-23-2009, 09:31 PM

I looked at the cotter pin and it was nice and tight. So I pulled the tire off and couldn't see anything wrong. Pads look great. I couldn't find any wear warning tabs. I spun the rotor and nothing. Then I went for a drive and no more chirping. So hopefully it was just a rock or dust or maybe a baby mouse.
I won't be suprised if it returns tomorrow.

lee777 · 10-23-2009, 11:05 PM

Maybe a small pebble was dislodged.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...isc-brake4.htm
Here is what a wear indicator often looks like.
But then I have been driving strictly North American cars for 30 years...until recently.