creaking sound when reversing

[maxspeed]

I have noticed this sound in the last couple weeks with the window down, it only happens if the car hasnt been used for a few hours.
I put the car into reverse and alot of creaking is coming from the underneath of the car. It sounds a like metal to metal but very low pitch and slow.
Once I put the car into drive, the sound stops. After the car has been running for a bit, it does not make this sound in reverse. Any idea what this sound is?
thanks in advance...

[gdanaher]

You really need a second set of ears, not that they should crawl under and let you back over them. See if you can isolate it a little more. Perhaps the parking brake is dragging a little? If that's the problem they may be crudded up and a good cleaning and a little steel brush work would loosen them up some.

[maxspeed]

I went to a toyota dealership in the toronto area and asked them to check the sound coming from the brakes when I reverse.
They told me my rear brake pads only have 2mm left and I need to replace them immediately. Also I will need have the rear rotors machined down to get rid of the rust.
132+tax for the rear brake pads and 158+tax for the rotors (including parts/labour).
I dont know for sure, but I think the e-brake sticking might be the problem. If thats the case, thats probably why the rear pads were so worn down after only 49,600km.
Should I get the rear brakes pads replaced and rotors refinished?
What about the sticking problem, what has to be done to fix that? Any ideas would be appreciated...

thanks in advance....

[new echo owner]

2mm is close to replacement time, but I wouldn't say it is repair that you would needed done right there when they inspect them.

The parking brakes on your car is inside of the rear disc, and they don't usually wear unless the parking brakes had been left on while you were driving.

It is not unusual for disc brakes to squeak during initial application of the day, this is especially true if the car is parked outside, and there is moisture in the air.

N.E.O.

[maxspeed]

So how would i be able to confirm that the ebrake is not sticking after being removed?

[new echo owner]

You won't be able to if you take it apart; however, if the car rolls easily when you release the parking brake, that is a good sign and also means that they are not sticking.

Since you will be requiring rear brake service in the near future, make sure that brake lubricant is applied to the contact points where the manufacturer recommends.

By the way, do you hear a slight knocking noise when you change direction after the brakes were applied; like back-up, apply the brakes, move forward, apply the brakes?

N.E.O.

[maxspeed]

It does make a very slight sound when changing directions.... bad?

What about sanding down the rotors ? or just change only the pads?

[new echo owner]

If it is a slight knocking or tapping sound, it is kind of 'normal'. What I meant by 'normal' is not that it should be making that sound, what you are hearing is actually the pads shifting when you change direction. When there is a slight amount of rust built-up between where the pads and the spring clips that holds the pads from rattling, the pads don't move freely. Usually when a brake service is performed, the rust would be cleaned off and lubricant would be applied where the pads and spring clips make contact, this allow the pads to shift freely without rattle. However, since disc brake pads often are 'exposed' to the element, the lubricant would 'disappear' or 'used up', etc, allowing the rust to form again. Hence the cycle continues. This actually isn't something that happens to Toyota alone, other manufacturer with similar brake system experience the same type of concern.

If you are not experiencing any brake vibration or abnormal brake performance, there wouldn't be any ill effect in just replacing the pads; however, it may take a little bit of time before the pads wear into the rotors, and that might affect the effective brake performance.

N.E.O.