Need help. Loose brake rotor.

Pigman · Feb 25, 2015

Hey guys, I've been getting a bad chirping/squeaking noise from the front end for a while now and within the past week or so it started making a howling noise when I brake at low speeds. The wheel bearing seems fine but I just took off the front left tire and noticed ALOT of back and forth play in the brake rotor. What could be the cause of this and how do I fix it? I replaced the front left hub assembly and all the brake pads and rotors 14 months ago. The brake pads look fine as well. I don't know how to upload videos so if you want the video just PM me and I'll text it to you.

Thanks,
Josh

webb06 · Feb 25, 2015

Play in the rotor or the caliper?

Pigman · Feb 25, 2015

webb06 said:
Play in the rotor or the caliper?

Rotor

co04cobra · Feb 25, 2015

I would check your slide pins.

Powerstroke1098 · Feb 25, 2015

If your wheel is off your rotor can move a good amount.

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Pigman · Feb 25, 2015

Powerstroke1098 said:
If your wheel is off your rotor can move a good amount.

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How much though? I'm able to move it back and forth a significant amount and I find it odd that it makes the same exact chirping noise I've been hearing.

G Racing · Feb 25, 2015

What do you mean back and forth? With the wheel off the rotor will move. Are the stud holes out of round? The brake pads and caliper will keep it from moving too much, unless the slide pins are shot or the caliper bracket bolts are loose.

Lethalthreat7.3 · Feb 26, 2015

X2 on slide pins

Pigman · Feb 26, 2015

Thanks guys I'll check the slide pins tomorrow or Friday and go from there.

Pigman · Feb 26, 2015

Had one of my friends at work check it out earlier and it turned out to be the wheel bearing. Luckily it's the same one I replaced a year ago so it's under warranty. Thanks for the help guys.

Pigman · Mar 4, 2015

Well I replaced the hub assembly a couple hours ago and it is still squeaking! The brake rotor is still loose and I know that that is what's making the noise so I just need to figure out how to keep the rotor from shaking. Is it possible that when the wheel bearing went bad it also damaged the rotor? The rotor looked fine when I took it off but I'm no brake expert...

powerstroke95 · Mar 4, 2015

When you put your wheel on and tighten the lug nuts, your rotor wont be able to move. The lug nuts are the only thing that holds the rotor in place. As the others have said, pull your slide pins out and see if there are large flat spots on them. If so, that could be causing some play.

Jomax · Mar 4, 2015

I made the habit to install new slide pins everytime I install pads.... they're pretty cheap.

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Arisley · Mar 4, 2015

The rotor could be warped. Pushing the pads apart while turning. Only fix for that is a new rotor.

PDT1081 · Mar 4, 2015

Pigman said:
Well I replaced the hub assembly a couple hours ago and it is still squeaking! The brake rotor is still loose and I know that that is what's making the noise so I just need to figure out how to keep the rotor from shaking. Is it possible that when the wheel bearing went bad it also damaged the rotor? The rotor looked fine when I took it off but I'm no brake expert...

If the rotor is loose, there will be metal shavings. The rotor hub will be shiny and the back of your wheel (hub) will be shiny and chewed up.

It is entirely possible that the rotor is warped. First thing I would do is pull the caliper off. Check/lube the slide pins. I use a ceramic based anti-seize. Then, before I put everything back together, I would bend the wear indicators (those metal clips that hold the pads in that are supposed to squeal to warn you of brake wear) as far away from the surface of the rotor as possible. Maybe even cut them off.

mandkole · Mar 4, 2015

Pigman said:
Well I replaced the hub assembly a couple hours ago and it is still squeaking! The brake rotor is still loose and I know that that is what's making the noise so I just need to figure out how to keep the rotor from shaking. Is it possible that when the wheel bearing went bad it also damaged the rotor? The rotor looked fine when I took it off but I'm no brake expert...

Is it squeaking when the brakes are applied or just rolling? On some rotors, the hub 'plate' section will warp, but Ive not heard of it with big meaty rotors like on trucks. Its possible that the rotor could be clamped up on a turning lathe and checked. Id agree that a rotor change may be in your future.

Pigman · Mar 4, 2015

Thanks for the help guys! When I get time I will check the slide pins. One thing I forgot to mention is that when I turn the brake rotor by hand, it is easy to turn for about 3/4 turn and is very tough to turn that other 1/4. Also the noise happens when it's rolling whether I'm pressing the brakes or not. Usually happens when slowing down at slow speeds.

Arisley · Mar 4, 2015

Sounds like major warpage to me.

Pigman · Mar 7, 2015

UPDATE: I replaced the rotor, cleaned and greased the slide pins, torqued everything to the exact specs and it is STILL squeaking! It might be even worse now. I have no idea what to do.