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Hi everyone!

I just bought a used VW Passat, 2002 model 2L Petrol.

I noticed when braking, and this does not happen every time you brake, I hear a sort of grinding noise from the front. ( Sometimes it sounds like metal on metal )

I took it to a specialist this morning to check the brakes.  They changed the rear discs and pads as they were totally worn.  Front looks okay for now, only 60% worn.

The noise is still there though.

This only happens just before the car stops, below 10mph.  It sounds like something is grinding against a wheel or something, but there is nothing touching any of the 2 wheels, and since they checked the brakes, I figured it must be something else.

Don't think it is anything in the gearbox or the engine itself because I tried it with a gear ingaged, with the clutch pushed down, not having it in gear when braking, it makes no difference at all.

The strange thing is that it only happens now and then.

I would appreciate it if anyone has any ideas?  Don't want to spend a lot on repairs if it's something silly that can be fixed easilly.

Thanks very much!!!!!


Josh  

brake caliper support bushings might need replacing...

when these wear.. the caliper can vibrate...   the worn brake shoes riding against worn rotors can also cause loud harmonics as the pads rock around do to the difference in speed of the surface of the rotor face...

what..    the inside surface of the rotor is not moving as fast as the outside of the wear surface..

this can cause the pads to rock in the caliper brackets..

have the rotors machined.. or replace them...    use a set of brake pads with insulators on the back..  replace the caliper support bushings..    if there is any sheet metal brake hardware parts with the brakes.. you might want to replace them also..  

This is very useful for me too! Thanks a lot! Are you sure this doesn't happend most in wet weather?