ZX brake noise- only under heavy braking

simoncanfer · Unread post by **simoncanfer** » 05 Aug 2006, 16:09

I get a grinding noise after heavy braking, when the brakes are hot. My pads and discs are worn but within spec. I am sure the noise is from the front brakes.

Could it be heat affecting the wheel bearings?

Any ideas?

Simon

Car is a ZX TD, 1997, with Lucas brakes. 109k miles.

Stewart(oily) · Unread post by **Stewart(oily)** » 05 Aug 2006, 16:10

Could be the slider part of the calipers being a bit slow coming off, a clean and grease should sort it.
Stewart

Village · Unread post by **Village** » 07 Aug 2006, 13:20

I recently (last week) changed the front discs and pads on my ZX, and I found that some of the grinding noise appeared to be from the wear sensor wire getting trapped between the pad and disc (and the lack of any meat on the pads)

it might be worth checking as it seems quite easy to get the wires caught when changing or inspecting the pads.

mezuk04 · Unread post by **mezuk04** » 07 Aug 2006, 14:58

I too suffered from this, a bit of bare wire was rubbing on the disc which was causing a lot of heat to be produced which partially melted the rubber connector block near it, causing great amounts of heat which could be felt as soon as you got close to the wheel and lots of nice burning smells.

Electrical tape and was all sorted.

Village · Unread post by **Village** » 07 Aug 2006, 17:40

Simon,

I think its best if you do what Oily suggested as a starting point, you can check the wear indicator wire whilst you're at it as it seems that they can be a source of noise (me) and heat (Mez). If thats not the source of the problem, maybe its time for new brake discs and pads, I got all the parts for mine for less than 50 squid from a local motor factor (short notice) but I'm willing to bet (no money will change hands) that you can get the bits cheaper from GSF.

Not sure about heat effecting the wheel bearings, somebody else around here is bound to know.....

Pete

simoncanfer · Unread post by **simoncanfer** » 09 Aug 2006, 14:20

I've cleaned and copper-greased the front brakes, which made little difference. I have also found one of the back drums was out of adjustment; one wheel was unbraked with the handbrake full on! So now I have better overall braking and so far have not noticed the grinding noise.

As for wires - "laugh out loud" - neither side has a complete unbroken set! I've never relied on them

Simon