Handbrake? Whooshing sound at low speeds

[0x00fj]

This was the problem that started me down replacing the front disks and both pads. I've fitted new disks and new pads, and the problem is still there.

Symptom: A whooshing sound at wheel frequency, particularly at low speeds. I believe this is from the handbrake pads -- before I installed them, turning the wheels (with the car on stands) produced no sound at all. Afterwards, the wheels turn smoothly, but there is this whooshing sound as though something is lightly touching the disk all the time.

What I suspect is going on: The handbrake pads are pushed against the disks when I apply the handbrake. When I release the handbrake, they just sit there, touching the disk, and don't spring back. This makes sense to me as there seems to be no mechanism to retract then, and the retaining spring holds them quite securely in position.

My question: What is going on with the brake assembly? Or is this noise "normal"?

[Stonehopper]

Not really 'normal', but might be due to some breaking in needed.
Also the possibility of the handbrake pads not being as 'free' in their seated positions, and are simply not 'leaving' the disc cleanly.

[0x00fj]

The brakes made this sound before I got started replacing everything, so I'm not sure breaking-in changes anything.

The pads are not free in their seated position due to the spring pushing them down. Are they supposed to slide freely under the spring? What would happen if I simply left the spring out?

[RichardW]

I think these are separate pads? Whip the pads out and take it for a spin to see if the noise is gone. Disc pads never have a retract spring, they just rely on run out of the discs to push them back enough to clear.

[myglaren]

As I recall, the GS handbrake pads are an absolute pain to adjust and the clearance has to be set with a feeler gauge. I found the main discs laughably simple to work on but the handbrake pads were just the opposite.

[0x00fj]

The previous owner replaced the handbrakes with the later style, so the adjustment is a bit less of a pain. I'm certain it's the handbrake pads as I heard no noise until I installed the new ones. The question here is what to do if the disk runout isn't sufficient to push them back until it runs nearly silently.

[Stonehopper]

The brakes made this sound before I got started replacing everything, so I'm not sure breaking-in changes anything.

The pads are not free in their seated position due to the spring pushing them down. Are they supposed to slide freely under the spring? What would happen if I simply left the spring out?

The cables themselves are able to be adjusted using the nut and locknut on the cable ends. By this means the pads can be made to move closer to the discs, but the main adjustment of handbrake pad to disc, is made using the eccentric nuts and their locking nuts at the pivot point. The spring (item No.3 in the image) actuating on the handbrake pads is an anti-rattle spring, and should not (from memory!) push the pad against the disc. Is it free to move and do what it is designed to do?

As myglaren states, getting the adjustment 'just right' is a real swine.

If you disconnect the cables, remove the top spring, then actuate the levers to push the pads against the disc by hand pressure, you should see the purpose of the eccentric adjusters at the pivot points. Slackening off the eccentrics locking nut will allow a clearer visual on the action. Once the action is understood and adjusted as required, then replace spring and cables to get the required amount of movement - and release - on the cable adjusters. It's a real pain.

Just been out to the garage to view my slumbering beast. That front cross member blocking access gives another reason for contemplating a sale! Why do we do it?

[0x00fj]

The smaller spring (#3 in your image) isn't pressing the pads against the disk, but it is pressing them firmly down in their bores. I'm guessing this kept the pads from retracting fully when the brake was released. I tried flipping one of them over so it's not pressing as hard on the pads and they're free to move. This reduced the sound quite a bit and the brake still appears to work correctly.