# What's that squeak? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 28, 2008, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813 "2008-08-28T22:00:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cybernia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@cybernia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cybernia)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2008, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/1 "2008-08-28T22:00:45Z")
I have 1998 Plymouth Breeze and lately there has been this annoying squeak coming from the driver’s side front of the car. It sounds like a mouse caught in a trap. It can get kind of loud and then it will go away form a bit and then come back again. Could it be from the wheel? Maybe something simple like a lube job is in order or could it be a harbinger of something about to go horribly wrong? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![caballero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/91b2a8/32.png) [@caballero](https://community.cartalk.com/u/caballero)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/2 "2008-08-29T01:22:31Z")
See if you get behind the wheel and someone on the outside bounces the car if you can recreate it. Then narrow it down. I don’t want to jump to the wrong conclusion and say strut until we’re sure. Anything loose and rubbing together can cause a squeak. get back with us good luck, caballero ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 1:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/3 "2008-08-29T01:30:55Z")
Mouse Trapped Do you hear it more at lower speeds when road and wind noise don’t drown it out? Is it louder with the window lowered on the driver’s side? Does it go away if you lightly apply the brakes? These questions answered “yes” could indicate that the brake wear indicators are contacting the brake rotors, telling you to check your brakes. Beyond that, more information provided, like answers to the above questions, could get the ball rolling for someone to help out. ---
**Author:** ![cybernia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@cybernia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cybernia)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/4 "2008-08-29T14:06:18Z")
I hear it at all speeds. It is louder when the window is down I’m not sure about the noise going away when I apply the brakes. I’ll check that out. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![cybernia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@cybernia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cybernia)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2008, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/5 "2008-08-29T14:06:45Z")
thanks ---
**Author:** ![cybernia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@cybernia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cybernia)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2008, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/6 "2008-09-03T20:42:43Z")
It’s definitely the brakes. It’s starting to have that scraping sound. ---
**Author:** ![caballero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/91b2a8/32.png) [@caballero](https://community.cartalk.com/u/caballero)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-squeak/18813/7 "2008-09-06T17:09:31Z")
Check the front pads first. Raise the side you think the noise is coming from and turn the tire. If they have been sqealing long, the rotor should be worn where the thickness indicator is rubbing. Sometimes you can see it without taking off the tire. Have the rotors turned… even the new ones. Usually one finishing pass will do the job. Slightly bevel the edges of the new pads… at least knock off the sharp edge, outside with a file or rough sandpaper. Use the midgrade pads or shoes. The cheaper pads, create more dust and wear out sooner, the higher grades last a loong time but wear out the rotors. work on one side at a time, so you won’t over extend the caliper when the other side is compressed. And be sure to PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE STARTING THE CAR AFTER YOU’RE FINISHED. If it is the rear and the shoes are ok, but the squeal is coming from the drums, check the back of the drums and see if there is a slight ridge. Have the drums turned to remove the ridge and adjust the shoes… Self-adjusting shoes won’t adjust without first being adjusted. At that point ALL the braking is done with the front pads, which makes even new ones last less than 6 months. Good luck. Caballero