Strange buzzing noise while braking

[dave255]

95 Camry LE, 5sfe, 240k

Starting yesterday morning(11/23) my car starting making a strange buzzing noise while coming to a stop, such as at a stop sign, red light, or pulling into a parking space. It doesn't happen consistently, maybe every 3rd or 4th time I have to stop. The buzzing noise lasts for about a half second, maybe a full second at the most, and the best way I can describe the noise is that is sounds very similar to the noise made when the ABS actuator kicks in. But it isn't because the pedal doesn't pulse or anything, and its been dry, relatively warm weather the past couple of days. No wet roads, no ice, nothing remotely close to activating ABS...just the sound is very similar. It's really strange and has me stumped. The noise seems to be coming from underneath the hood towards the passenger side. No warning lights on the dash of any kind.

It might be completely unrelated, but I thought I'd should mention that due to a torn CV boot, I had the driver's side CV joint/half axle replaced this past Monday. This buzzing noise started the very next morning.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Mister_Perkins]

Could be the shroud that surrounds the axles where they connect to the transmission. I would check to make sure nothing is rubbing or anything

Since you just replaced an axle and the noise started right after, I would suspect something around that area.

Although it could be completely un-related.. but when problems occur its best to check what you last did

[LynchburgCSI]

This might help a little bit to check on noises. But FOR THE LOVE OF GOD be careful. Anyways, a second person can look for noises or operate the car while it's in the air. DO NOT stand in front of or get under the car, though.

You Tube

You Tube

edit: No camrys ever had a limited slip differential.

[Mister_Perkins]

lol that could go bad really quick. It would definitely work though

[dave255]

Well the buzzing noise has started occurring more frequently. To troubleshoot, I simply unplugged the ABS actuator to see if that was the source of the sound and took the car for a test drive around the block. The noise was completely gone!!! Plugged the ABS actuator back in and the noise comes right back. So I found the source, but the question is why is this happening? Could it be a faulty or dirty speed sensor? Any ideas???

[Mister_Perkins]

could be the ABS pump is showing its age

[bawazir_chicago]

I had the same problem on my car,

replace your brake booster valve it is a cheap fix, make sure to get the part from the dealer

[fenixus]

You can jumper Diagnostics terminals in DLC1 under hood (passenger side), I believe it was Ts-E1. This way ABS enters a Speed Sensor test mode which allows for detecting speed sensor or speed rotor problems.

I have no idea what a brake booster valve is, but this sounds like another way worth exploring, keep us posted.

[lespaulkid01]

BUMP...

Ever find any cause/solution to this? mine has been acting the same way lately. every like 4th or so time that i come to a complete stop, (usually after i am completely stopped or under 5mph) it buzzes. Sounds like the ABS is kicking in but not grabbing or something.. but it only happens when i slowly stop not when slamming on brakes which makes me think its not the ABS module or actuator.

Doesnt affect driving ability at all, just odd noise

[Safari Wagon]

Just throwing this out as another possibility - pad wear indicator?

[dave255]

lespaulkid01, I still haven't fixed the problem since I just haven't had much free time as of late. But I think I have narrowed it down to a fouled/corroded/damaged wheel speed sensor. Now that warmer weather is near, I'm going to find some free time to take out the sensor and clean it up. And if that doesn't work, replace the sensor altogether. I will update this thread once I fix the problem once and for all.

[kimbersway]

I have the same prob.I bought the camry at 113,000. I replaced all the rotors and pads.There was a weird brake prob at low speeds b4 I replaced, now the same thing happens in slow traffic but more often and with a buzzing noise. It almost seems like the brakes are trying to slide pass something, I've had 2 mechanics look at it and they see nothing wrong because the buzzing noise is only on occasion. How can you fix something that noone can diagnose?

[kimbersway]

I have a backyard mechanic and he thinks its the ABS and that I should bypass it if I want that to go away...otherwise he says to live with it because the car seems to brake just fine and when that slipping noise happens, the car still stops fine...I'm okay with that diagnose to be honest, but I want to make sure that one day it will go really bad...and then what will happen?

[dave255]

If you want to narrow it down, simply unplug the ABS actuator and go drive around. That's what I did, and the noise completely stopped. This isn't a permanent solution obviously, just a diagnostic. Like I said above, I am 99% sure it is a bad wheel speed sensor. I will be fixing this within the next week or two, I'll update this thread when I do.

[JohnGD]

Road salt can corrode things, but while checking them also bleed the brakes and fill the system with new fluid. Use Valvoline Synthetic or Castrol GT LMA (Low Moisture Activity). Actually both fluids are LMA.

If there is air in the line to a corner the same can happen. When was the last time the brake fluid was changed? Caliper pins checked for sticking, and cleaned/lubed if needed?

If the system has a fault detected by the ABS control module, then the ABS light turns on and the system is disabled. This means the car goes back to the non-ABS days.

Originally Posted by kimbersway

I have a backyard mechanic and he thinks its the ABS and that I should bypass it if I want that to go away...otherwise he says to live with it because the car seems to brake just fine and when that slipping noise happens, the car still stops fine...I'm okay with that diagnose to be honest, but I want to make sure that one day it will go really bad...and then what will happen?