rubbing sound from the brakes

[shivanibr]

Hi, i own a toyota avalon 2002. I had the front struts changed recently and also got the rotors for the brakes resurfaced. However after this i started hearing the sound when braking as if they were rubbing against something. this sound is heard at low speed or when the road is uneven or when i brake hard. my mechanic checked the brake rotors and resurfaced again and even changed the brake pads. the sound is still there. also there also could be some sound from the struts too..although i am not sure about it. Can someone please tell me what could it be. my mechanic is not able to figure it out and i really need to get this sound fixed. any input will be appreciated. thank you

[BDS_237]

I just went through the same thing over the last year.

Here is what I did, and what I recommend. Make sure your mechanic replaced the brake hardware kits for each axle. This is probably not your problem, but could be related and should be replaced when you do the pads. Also, pick up some Permatex Disc Brake Quiet. It is a blue liquid in a white packet. Squeeze it out onto the back of the brake pads (the non-rotor side), spread it nice and even, let it thicken up a bit, then put the pads back in. This will most likely solve your problem when you are applying the brakes.

Also, check to make sure your dust backing plates behind each rotor are not bent slightly and making contact with the rotors. This can easily happen when the wheels are being put on or off as they are slightly larger in diameter than the rotors and could easily be bent. Just take your hand and go around the whole perimeter, pushing the backing plates off of the rotors. Make sure you do this even if they do not appear to be touching - this is most likely part of the problem, and yet most mechanics, including mine, never check it. (I went through 2 sets of pads because my mechanic thought the first set was just cheap and making the noise.)

This should solve the issue. If it does not, it is might be related to the new struts. Someone once told me that camry/avalon brakes just make noise and there is no way to stop it... that is just not true.