Rear disc brake dragging noise

I know that disc brake in general has its pad dragging very lightly on the disc. However mine make the dragging sound when I make a turn, either left or right and none when driving straight. It is jus annoying. I wonder if the expert on this forum has some tips to eliminate the dragging sound.

Eddy

The handbrake cable pulling one side or the other when you turn? If the cable were adjusted tight and a little lateral flexing of the body/chassis I guess this could happen.

Try loosening the cable adjustment a little? Try applying the handbrake a little just to see how or if it affects your noise.

long shot, could be wheel weights rubbing on brake components depending on what rims u have, did u have recent tire service done?

Eddy, if you have something caught up in there that could be it. Or, if you haven't changed the pads since 2007, it might just be time to take the wheels off and have a look-see.

I'm not a mechanic, but it seems to me the only times my brakes have ever made any kind of noise is when they were either brand-new, out of adjustment, or when they were just about shot.

I have a similar issue and am following this thread closely. When I take slow turns (parking lot speed) it sounds like squealing disk brakes, even though my foot is not on the pedal.

Do I need an impact wrench to get the nut holding the rear drum on off?

Here's the procedure for checking the handbrake for dragging parts:

http://www.vw-resource.com/handbrk.html

Of key importance is the 1 7/16" (36mm) socket and more than 240 foot-lbs. needed to remove the castelated nut. There's a cotter pin in there, too -- you'll want to have two fresh ones on hand to replace them with if they don't play nicely coming out.

I use a pick and light taps with a hammer to "convince" the cotter pins most of the time. Tap gently inside the looped end to get them started. Don't try to take the castle nuts off with the rear of the car in the air, either. Do that on the ground, with the car in first gear.

That's a good reference site, and as easy to read as Muir's book. I'm going to keep it in the bookmarks.

Torque Meister!!!

I had a problem like that on my dune buggy once. The center spline and the hub had begain to wear. Gland nut wasn't touqred tight enough to hold them good. Hub was flexing when I hung the curves. on the old curvy roads where I use to play..

Had to replace both parts.

Got tired of busting breaker bars (and my balls) on these axle nuts so I got me a BFTW!
I love Harbor Freight!

~WB

WB, I think you meant to say BAMFTW!!

Eddy:

Forget all the talk about the emergency brake or wheel weights or any of that stuff.

If it only makes noise when your turning AND it's the REAR brakes, then, most likely, the rear hubs have excessive play and should be tightened up. 240 ft. lbs. is a good start, but I would try something closer to 280-300. (BILL! What are YOU torquing them to with your BFTW???)

For that you'll need at least a four foot extension on your torque wrench or bat handle and stand on it. I posted eons ago the proper way of calculating where to place your foot on the pipe extension to get the proper torque applied for your weight. Let me know if you need a recap (trying to make my posts short and to the point).

Can't speak for Eddy, but I don't know for sure if the noise I am hearing is front or rear. Further investigation is required. Excellent! I now have a weekend project.

Hey Gordon,
I think you might be correct as John mentioned that the rear wheel has some play and it might cause the noise. I was hoping to have s simple solution, but it sounds like a major thing to do. If not too much and you are able to find your write up, can you email me or sent me the link if you posted here somewhere

BTW the sound comes from the rear brake although you might think it has something to do with the front brake as most of the time it only happens when you turn.

Thank

Eddy

Eddy:

I'll work on it and repost.

Lane: Use the "Car Talk" methodology to find the source of the noise:

Strap Pam to the hood, drive around and see if she hears anything.

If not, strap her on the enginencover and repeat the drive.

That should do it...........

yall givin Pam and Lane a HARDTIME!

Lane repack your front wheel bearings if you find the front wheels to be lose, If its been a while? may as well .

So you're say'n there really may be a Pam ?

I think the book says 280 ft.lbs. so that how far I go. The BFTW will do up to 300. The lugs on the M/H torque to 180...and that's where the BFTW resides.

~WB

Front wheel bearings were replaced before Carlisle as three of the four showed damage. Didn't change anything.