Squeaking - wheels...?

[52nd of February]

Hey guys,

So this one's rather puzzling. My brakes squeak - I've gotten used to that haha. But after driving for a while, ie 20 minutes of city driving at speeds of no more than 70km/hr, one or more of the wheels squeak. It's really hard to tell where it's coming from exactly but it sounds most like its coming from the rear left wheel. I can hear it over the radio with all windows and roof up

It randomly starts and stops while the car is in uniform, straight-line motion
It's a lower pitch than the brake squeak and it's all one noise, not a series of short squeaks
Sometimes, if I turn the wheel the slightest bit to the left, it'll squeak. Doesn't always stop after the wheel has been straightened. Other days, same deal but for turning the wheel to the right.
Steering doesn't seem to be affected in any way and it's rolling perfectly smoothly
It's had non-Peugeot alloys its whole life
Last service (13,000kms ago) it had all its brake pads and discs replaced

This is happening nearly every day now and I have no idea what it could be, don't think it's the bearings because they're normally a grinding sort of sound and cause a rougher ride


Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[GrandadMonkey]

My guess would be that when the disc was replaced a small bit of rust or something was left on the hub. With something between the disc and the hub the disc doesn't sit exactly square. After a few miles the slight friction between the skewed disc and the brake pads causes the disc to expand. This leaves it in permanent contact with the pads until it cools down again - hence the squeal.

Or, another guess, it could be a slightly sticking piston in the brake caliper.

I'd check by feeling that wheel after the squealing has started to see if it is hotter than the other wheels. Don't burn your hand though!

[52nd of February]

Thanks very much Grandad, I'll (carefully!) check the wheel temperatures after it's been squeaking. Last night we had a wild storm and heavy rain and it didn't squeak at all which fits both of your suggestions.

I'll post our diagnosis and cure once we have them!

[GrandadMonkey]

Just one more thought - your handbrake could be hanging on slightly. There should be 4 to 7 clicks before the handbrake is fully applied, and the cables should operate freely.

[jackieboi206]

Try checking your power steering fluid too - I though tmy brakes were squeeking a little while ago but it was because the power steering fluid was low.....

[52nd of February]

Thanks again guys, when I apply the handbrake it's usually to the 5th stop - but I press the button in while engaging it to reduce wear on the internal cogs so I don't hear any clicks

Didn't think about the steering but it could be that too, I'll have that checked too


Cheers!

[GrandadMonkey]

Handbrake sounds fine then.

If the noise is coming from the rear it won't be your steering.

[DRAPER]

im sort of having this issue started monday, did you fix it?

driving along motorway then heard a slight squealing sound from the front, but if i moved the steering wheel slightly to the left or right and i mean slightly as in 1 cm either way it would stop but soon as the wheel was straight again squeal started.

if braked it would stop for a split second but then continue

the sound comes and goes and can happen when cold or hot, changing front pads this weekend in an attempt to fix

[GrandadMonkey]

My initial thoughts are sticking piston in the caliper, or the pins and everything holding the pads in position need a clean up and lubricating with copaslip. There is probably a build up of brake dust and other muck.

If the piston was beginning to stick I'd expect the brakes to be starting to pull to one side.

You'll be cleaning everything up if you are renewing the pads. A touch of copaslip on the back plates of the pads should ensure no brake squeal - hopefully. Remember to bed them in gently for a few hundred miles.

[Capncol]

Agree totally with grandadmonkey's diagnosis.
Just check the new pads before you fit them as some have a self adhesive backing. If so, don't put anything on the back of those, just remove the plastic protective film.

[DRAPER]

when i brake there is no pulling to either side, already got a wire brish and copper grease ready to give um a good clean.

what worries me though if there is a sticking piston and take it off to do the pads and cant put it back together because it sticking, then im stuck carless lol

[GrandadMonkey]

Push the piston back in with a G-clamp. Then work it in and out using the brake pedal - GENTLY !!! - to free it off. Don't pop the piston out by pushing it too far, else you will be in trouble. Place a wooden block there to stop it coming right out if you haven't got a delicate foot. You'll soon know if the piston is sticking. I'd renew your brake fluid too if it has been in more than 2 years.

I used to have this happen on a 205GT we had. Needed freeing off every 12 months - just before MOT time. Always the left hand side at the front. Never did have to replace the caliper but it was a nuisance. Became part of the routine servicing for that car.