Hello,

My daughter has a ford focus, that has developed a squeak! I think the car is about 10yrs old, she is 600 miles away, so Im unable to assist her atm. 

So putting a question to the floor, to see if anyone can possibly shed any light, hoping it maybe a common known issue

As yet I think the squeak starts after the car has been in motion and warmed up somewhat. But the squeak/squeal starts and is constant, but stops when the brakes are applied. Car is stopping ok and brake pads are good (at least 10mm)

Anyone seen these symptoms before.

 

Any thanks in advance, for any help or tips

 

Rob

 

Potentially a wheel bearing but more likely to be a sticky brake caliper.  Although the front pad looks fine, the inner pad may be catching and considerably thinner.

 

If it's got rear drum brakes, the handbrake mechanism can seize causing the shoe to constantly sit against the drum

Hello Tom,

Thank you for the info.

Going on my limited knowledge of wheel bearings, i was always led to believe when the wheel bearing was "on its way out" there would be a knocking noise rather than a squeak or squeal. That said it it holds a possibility, if the bearing is grinding, would it stop when the brakes are applied.

 

With the caliper scenario, is there way or method that when driving or trying observe the fault, that you can home in, to confirm the caliper is a good likihood being the culprit.

Or getting underneath the car and observing the caliper in action?

 

Thanks again for your insight

Regards

Rob

Wheel bearings won't knock unless the wheel is literally about to fall off...luckily most are noticed before that stage.  Generally they hum or rumble but descriptions of noises can vary.  I was going more on the fact that it's a constant noise in rotation.  When braking there is more load put through the bearing which changes the sound or removes it altogether.

For the callipers, you'll probably see one pad much more worn than the other on a quick visual inspection with wheel removed.  You can also use a small pry bar or screwdriver to lever the calliper outwards and then watch how smoothly it returns as someone else presses the pedal.

If I was travelling a few hundred miles to make a repair, I'd take a punt on fitting a set of brake pads, cleaning up the pad contact patch on the carrier, plus regrease the slide pins for the calliper.

Have you checked the dust shield is not rubbing? It's known to make a squeak sound when it's too close.