Having strange brake issue- 2003 Corolla

[panthermike]

Over the past week the brakes on the Corolla have really started to act strangely. The car has 111K now, the brakes were done around 70K. First, when stopping from higher speeds, 55+, the car sounds like it's going over a rumble strip(this has been going on a while).

More recently while coming to a stop, the brakes sounded like they were grinding metal on metal. The noise disappeared after that and occasionally happens. I've also noticed a mild ringing noise while just cruising around. I haven't had a lot of time lately to check it out, but will this Saturday. I'm limiting the driving until then.

Any ideas on what these intermittent symptoms could be?

 

[yonyon]

My best guess from this distance would be that you've worn the pads down to the point where one pad is metal to metal with the disc at one end but not the other. Putting on my swami hat I'll further guess that the end that's down to the metal is the end opposite the wear indicator.

I strongly suggest that you get the wheels off and look.

 

[Voltmaster]

I have 06 corolla with 98 K and i have to say the roators are some of worst from an OEM.

Mine are about 10% within safe range , I bet its either that or caliper. Mine lost its sensetivity and need extra press on pedal to engage fully.

 

[crazyoildude]

Its time you installed new pads and if the noise is coming from the front you need rotors also... If its from the rear you need shoes and drums the good news is its all super cheap for parts and easy to do,
Check it asap!

 

[panthermike]

Thanks for the tips guys, I can't check it until Saturday but I'll quit driving it in the meantime.

 

[panthermike]

Went ahead and tackled this today. Although the symptoms seemed weird to me, the problem was straightforward; the brake pads were worn down. I'm confused that these pads wore out in 45K miles though, as they were Raybestos Ceramic pads. Calipers and hardware are all fine. Most of those miles were highway none the less!

Anyways; turned the rotors, changed the pads, and bled the system. Cost around $85. The brakes are great now, just hope this set of Ceramic pads lasts much longer than 45K miles.

Thanks all.