bad calipers or pads?

[Joel]

I have just replaced the rear brake rotors and pads on a 1999 Subaru legacy outback and they are a tight fit right on the edge of the bracket and they do make a lot of noise while driving i was wondering if there is a way to find out if i just need to get different pads or new calipers it did have slight noise before I put the new pads and rotors on but its worse now.

Topic

[college man]

what brand of pads did you use?

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-brake-problems

[Joel]

Wearever from advanced ive always used these on my pontiac never had a problem

[Lorrin Barth]

One possibility, and something I’ve seen more than once, is backing plates not quite the right size. I have a set on the rear of my car that are undersize and click every time I apply the brakes and these were expensive pads. I think what is happening is the backing plates are made overseas (I choose to blame China) and the maker is not enough concerned about fit.

If undersize they will click as I said and if oversize they may stick in place and not move to conform to the rotor. In this later case you need to either grind them for a custom fit or return them to the retailer.

[Joel]

Well the reason i bring it up is it made the same noise with old rotors and the old rotors had alittle rust on the part the pad touches

[EricTheCarGuy]

Imports are very different than domestics when it comes to parts. They can be kinda picky. It may be your choice of pads that’s the issue here. Most brake noise is caused by the friction material used. For imports I like to use Beck Arnley pads or Akebono. I’ve never had issues with either one of those.

The article College man posted also has videos on servicing brakes that go a long way to keeping your brakes quiet.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Joel]

thanks for everything Im thinking it was the pads i went to a different auto parts store and got different brand they sold akebono but didnt have them in stock i tried Brakebest and they seem to work much better so glad i didnt have to by calipers, also i know eric had a subaru and i got mine because of how much you liked yours and i have to say its great and it is a 5 speed and that only makes it better.

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[EricTheCarGuy]

Jealous. Wish mine was a 5 speed. If that was the case I would have had a harder time getting rid of it though. Glad you got it sorted. Thanks for the updates and for using the ETCG forum.

[Joel]

absolutely thanks for creating a place to ask questions and im sure ill be back it is my first import haha

[Author]

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