When I am backing out of the garage and down a slight inlcine of a driveway very very slowly I hear what sounds like the brakes "grabing". During normal stop and go traffic I don't hear it.

It is not a "squeak" type of noise.

Any ideas. I think I will take the wheels off on Saturday so I can see the inner brake pad. Do I need a micrometer tool or just a metric ruler to measure with. When I stick my finger thru the rims and rub the rotor it doesn't have any grooves.

I bought this 2003 S used with 38,000 miles and I have just over 40,000 miles currently. I have not seen a light sensor light up on the dash. The build date was 10/02 so maybe it one of the ones without sensors.

Thanks-Mr. D

 

Without hearing it myself cant help you too much, sounds like it may even just be an ambient noise thing. Micrometer is best if you have one. I'm going to be checking my rear pads in short order myself.

 

The sounds that you are hearing sound normal to me. But, Im not there listening to it. Brake pads are always in contact with the rotor even under no pressure ever so slightly. Now, if it slows down your car with no brake pressure applied...then you have a dragging brake.

 

^^ really? my wheels spin freely when i turn them every now and then and
i dont hear any rubbage...

 

Really. You won't see a space between the rotor and caliper contact patch. Well, your wheel SHOULD spin freely. Haven't you ever spun your wheel while it was on jacks and heard a LIGHT rubbing sound? That's normal.

 

You're not supposed to be able to hear it But it is supposed to touch (dry wet brakes and keeps the mechanical response times to a minimum. Its supposed to touch, not drag not apply pressure just rest against it and stay warm not anywhere near hot.