All four brakes grinding without braking

[dboyle23]

Hi All,

I put away my 2g for winter last year and had some brake issues this past spring. I didn't look at it much as I was too busy, but now I have time and could use some help.

When driving the car, I can hear a metal on metal scraping when not braking at all. It sounds like it is coming from both rears, but I could be mistaken. When braking, the pedal kicks back forcefully (abs?) and I have probably 10% of the normal braking power. Also when braking, the scraping turns in to a loud grinding. All 4 rotors on the car are showing rust on the rotor, which should come off from braking, but it isn't.

I jacked up the rears, as I thought it was an e-brake issue, and the e-brake lines and everything look good. The rear brakes have a good chunk of meat left and everything seems to be in order.

Brake fluid is full. Is there some valve or something that could have rusted closed over the winter?

edit: Just noticed this sensor not plugged in by the brake master cylinder. Anyone know what this is? Where it goes?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

How long was it stored? Could be the mc for the rear brakes is stuck or the pads got slight rust on them

 

[dboyle23]

It was stored for roughly 5 - 6 months. I noticed issues after taking it out this spring. Put it back in storage and it has been sitting another 8 months or so. It's been a while...

 

[b00stAdict]

When you lifted the rear of the car could the rear tires spin freely? I was thinking the same as ec17pse. Are the cylinders to the rear calipers frozen, maybe not completely "engaged" but partially and when you let off the pedal the cylinders don't fully retract..? Just my .02

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

I would recommend you inspect all of your calipers. Take off the pads off and check the condition of the pistons and boots. You may get lucky and just back the pistons in with a clamp, assemble, bleed the system (to have fresh fluid), and all will be well. You may as well clean up the rotors and pads while you have all of it apart.

 

[dboyle23]

Rear tires would NOT spin freely. I have to put force in to it to turn them. However, this is the case even when I remove the brake components and the rotor with the e-brake disgengaged.

 

[dboyle23]

So, when I looked at the ebrakes, I turned the little dial all the way back, so the ebrakes are barely engaged when I pull the ebrake all the way up, so I don't think the ebrakes are the problem. I'm not sure what else to look at.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

If its not the ebrake system then your wheel bearings are shot! Its the only item left that would stop it from spinning freely, thats why you jack the car off the wheels to prevent flatspots on the tires and pressure on the wheel bearings

 

[dboyle23]

How can I determine which wheel bearing it is? When I turn the back wheels, both signs spin (obviously). Is there something else I can look for to determine which side has the issue?

Also, I was doing more research and STI owners can't spin their rear wheels easily when the front is on the ground, like mine was. I thought it might be similar both platforms being AWD.

So, the rear was up, the front was down, and the rear wheels were hard to turn. I guess I'll have to jack up the front to test if the rears will still have rotating issues with the front in the air.

 

[FIBA M - EC17PSE]

Oh i didnt know.you was awd that would be why the fronts dont spin. Sorry i thought gst . Get it all up in the air. Spin each wheel and see what one binds. The one that binds is the bearing gone

 

[dboyle23]

I forgot to mention this earlier, but when I took the car out last year when the problem first arose, the ABS light was on. Currently, it's not on, but the battery has been unplugged. I appreciate the ideas ec17pse.

 

[dboyle23]

I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to just give all four corners new pads and rotors. The rotors are caked with rust.

 

[Talonman86096]

I just had a similar issue and it was my back calipers...they were hung up and I could hear the same metal on metal sound.

 

[pauleyman]

It isnt wheel bearings. If the rust isnt coming off the calipers arent working. The means bad master, stuck calipers, no fluid (not in this case), clogged lines or prop valve or clogs/malfunction of abs valve. Id start by flushing the fluid. At least that will rule out the lines. My vote is stuck caliper. Rust will be gone in a few miles.ive had rotors sit outside 5years and I did not clean them. Few miles of driving they looked like the day I parked the car.. same for wheel bearing. Car sat years....no effect on bearings. Thats a myth.

 

[Benzino]

Have you pulled the brakes and compressed the calipers? If not pull the fluid cap and start with the furthest from the master cylinder. If they compress make sure you grease them before they are reinstalled. Be sure to pump the pedal before driving.