Strange 'scraping' noise

tonyb1 · Post by **tonyb1** » 05 Jan 2007, 19:58

Over the last week my beloved Xantia has started making what I can only describe as a scraping noise when I brake, sometimes the noise continues when I move off and then disappears. My brakes are fairly new (3 months old). I had two new front tyres fitted 3 weeks a go. I dont know if this noise could be caused by sticking brakes or something, but the car is running fine. Any ideas before I put it in for a check would be appreciated. Thanks. Tony

deian · Post by **deian** » 05 Jan 2007, 20:09

maybe a small stone stuck somewhere, maybe on the back brakes rather than the front?

tonyb1 · Post by **tonyb1** » 05 Jan 2007, 20:18

That's a thought, thanks Deian, I'll have a look in the morning. Been all over my front brakes but havent looked at the back, didn't think they would come in to it!

UFO · Post by **UFO** » 06 Jan 2007, 06:03

Scraping brake sounds usually emanate from the back as there are no sensor wires. The first you know is the scraping sound which is usually metal on metal.

Happened to my XM a couple of years ago. Fortunately I had a set of pads here as someone had given me a set of CX rears which are the same for an XM. I changed them one morning before going to work. Each side took about 25 mins. Read your Haynes BOFT first.

Otherwise I would suggest blasting built up brake dust out of the front brakes with a garden hose or pressure wash. Although front brake dust build up is usually squeally not scrapy. Very technical eh?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 06 Jan 2007, 09:03

Maybe the rear calipers are being pushed over by corrosion buildup between the arm and the caliper.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 06 Jan 2007, 09:12

have you visualy checked the front brakes,just because they were done about 3 months ago dose not mean they are not worn out again already,if the cable/s or the caliper is are sticking it will wear them out very quicke,the usual with citroens with hand brake at the front is binding cables as the crack were the cable is constanly flexed as you turn the steering,so they get water and grit in the cable
regards malcolm

tonyb1 · Post by **tonyb1** » 06 Jan 2007, 10:27

UFO wrote:Scraping brake sounds usually emanate from the back as there are no sensor wires. The first you know is the scraping sound which is usually metal on metal. Happened to my XM a couple of years ago. Fortunately I had a set of pads here as someone had given me a set of CX rears which are the same for an XM. I changed them one morning before going to work. Each side took about 25 mins.

You are spot on UFO. The rears are down to the metal. Because it sounded like the front when driving, and I thought the rears would last longer than the car, I didn't look there

I'll be doing them tomorrow, thanks again!

UFO · Post by **UFO** » 06 Jan 2007, 10:57

Glad to be of service. $\:D/$

Gee, we win the cricket (like I care?) AND we analyse Citroen problems. Not a bad mob eh?

mpr1956 · Post by **mpr1956** » 06 Jan 2007, 12:15

Hi there.. isn't it good when there is a simple fix ? BTW.. Citroen sell a kit for the rear brakes on a xant consisting of the nuts and bolts, the cover plates and springs (for both sides) this only costs a few pounds and makes a good job an easier one ! And as johnd says its worth checking for corrosion build up between the caliper and arm while you're at it. Bets wishes, Martin

deian · Post by **deian** » 06 Jan 2007, 13:26

yay! problem solved! what surprised me was how small the back brakes were!

john alexander · Post by **john alexander** » 06 Jan 2007, 22:06

and remember the calipers are ambidextrous, if the corrosion is too bad just swap them side to side so the corrosion is to the outside . sounds too simple but the bleed hole and the pipe hole are drilled the same and citroen dont have to stock left and right calipers, regards john.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 07 Jan 2007, 10:47

deian wrote:yay! problem solved! what surprised me was how small the back brakes were!

thats because the fronts do most of the hrd work
regards malcolm