Grinding noise on brakes for a 2000 chey Malibu


The guy at the dealership told me that was normal when I first got the car ( two years ago ). It must have went away because I didn't notice it for awhile... Now it kind of grinds when I put on the breaks and let off.... Is this really normal or is there a problem.

brimn2001@yahoo.com

Grinding brakes are NEVER normal. Most likely, you have eaten your brakes into the rotor. If you can do it yourself, take the wheel off and examine your brake pads and your rotors ASAP. And NEVER mind how many miles since the last brake job etc. It does not matter on Malibus.

Mine woulf grind when they would get hot. I still had plenty of pad left. The brakes would overheat often though. I upgraded to slotted and cross drilled rotors.

In mine, the caliper pistons were shot when I got the same grinding noise.

< 35000 km, replaced under warranty.

Grinding noise on brakes for a 2000 chey Malibu


The guy at the dealership told me that was normal when I first got the car ( two years ago ). It must have went away because I didn't notice it for awhile... Now it kind of grinds when I put on the breaks and let off.... Is this really normal or is there a problem.

brimn2001@yahoo.com

Well first off, how many miles are on the pads? For as little as $40.00 you can do the job yourself.

I would check out the pads to make sure there life still left in them. If not replace keep in mind ceramic pads are bad for grinding noises but last a long time other than that it should not be a bad loud grind. Just a noticeable one. Make sure your rotors are in good shape or have them turned or replaced.

I would check out the pads to make sure there life still left in them. If not replace keep in mind ceramic pads are bad for grinding noises but last a long time other than that it should not be a bad loud grind. Just a noticeable one. Make sure your rotors are in good shape or have them turned or replaced.

I have newer pads on mine, but they will make noise (grinding) while I'm backing up. Very rarely will they do anything while I'm going forward. Who knows. All I know is that as soon as I can, I am dumping this car. It should have never been put on the market.

I have newer pads on mine, but they will make noise (grinding) while I'm backing up. Very rarely will they do anything while I'm going forward. Who knows. All I know is that as soon as I can, I am dumping this car. It should have never been put on the market.

Me thinks it may be coming from the rear drums, if grinding in reverse only.

If my 98 was worth enough....It would spontainiously cumbust

NO, your calipers DON'T need replacing. This is a TSB for the noise...Its very simple

Brake Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking or at a stop (Lubricate Brake Caliper)
1999-2003 Chevrolet Malibu

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero

1999-2004 Pontiac Grand Am

Condition
Some customers may comment on a creak type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.

Cause
This condition may be caused by a caliper piston to seal interface issue during brake apply. If the caliper is removed and the piston is pushed back, the noise may be eliminated. This is usually only a temporary fix.

Correction
DO NOT REPLACE CALIPER.

To repair this condition, lubricate the entire circumference of the seal at the caliper piston interface using Kluber Fluid and the following procedure:

Remove the wheel and reinstall two lug nuts. This will hold the rotor to the bearing surface so debris does not fall between the surfaces and cause lateral runout (LRO).
Remove the bottom bolt from the caliper assembly without disturbing the hydraulic system.



Swing the caliper assembly up so the caliper assembly is facing upward.
Thoroughly clean the piston boot with GM approved Brake Clean. Pay particular attention to the area where the boot interfaces with the piston.
Using compressed air, dry the piston/boot area.



Remove the cap from the tip of the bottle and carefully insert the tip, P/N 89022161, between the boot and piston, inward of the piston boot groove.
From the top side of the piston (reference diagram), inject the lubricant. With the caliper in the tilted position, the lubricant will flow down and work its way around the entire circumference of the seal. Let the caliper body assembly remain in this position for a minimum of 2 minutes to allow for the fluid to completely work its way around the seal.
Push the piston into the seal to ensure the lubricant is on both the piston and seal surface.

Important
Excessive fluid could appear as a failure and lead to a comeback. To prevent unnecessary future repairs, it is important to only use one bottle per side and make sure excess fluid is wiped away.


Wipe away any excessive fluid.
Reassemble the caliper to the vehicle. Tighten
Tighten the caliper bolts to 31N·m(23 lb ft).

Repeat steps 1- 9 on the opposite side of the vehicle, if necessary.
Pump the brake pedal to push the caliper piston back into place.
Reinstall the wheel and test drive the vehicle to verify repair.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description

89022161
Service Kit -- Kluber Fluid



Important
The service kit will consist of a "one--time use only" bottle which will service one caliper.


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

H9702
Brake Caliper -- Lubricate (One Side)
0.3 hr

H9703
Brake Caliper -- Lubricate (Both Sides)
0.6 hr


GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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