Help

[geckoboy86]

Got a brake issue. My brakes are now constantly making a squealing(grinding) noise when driving. It only stops when i apply the brake more then 50%. Its been doing this for the past 2 or 3 days (100+ miles) and is driving me insane.
Pads are all relatively new. Rotors are old but still in good condition with only minor grooving. I had a few people do some listening for me (half hanging out of my car while driving. We are pretty sure its coming from the front (like 80% sure).

Whats wrong? LOL.

EDIT: NEW ISSUE BELOW!!!

[Huffer]

You have one or more calipers seizing up - probably the rears. Check the brake rotor surfaces for rust buildup - if the calipers are working properly then the pads will be cleaning off the rust - if not then that's the caliper that needs servicing or replacing.

I have the same problem with my wagon, the rear driver's side.

[geckoboy86]

Thanks for the quick reply. All my rotors are cleared of rust minus the outside edge or the front rotors (as said, they are old).

[Huffer]

Even the backside of them? Remember, where is the piston in a brake caliper...?

[geckoboy86]

Now that I have not checked. Unfortunitly for me I have rain here for the next day or 2 so I won't be able to check. Just a random question, do I need to pull the rotor off to check the backside?

[1-3-2-4]

not really you can just look on the inside and see if it's contacting the rotor.. Anything major else you would need to remove the wheel/rotor

[geckoboy86]

I feel like an idiot. Got some brake cleaner stuff. Applied it to all wheels. Last one (driver rear), as I was putting the wheel back on I heard a metal ting noise. I pulled the wheel back off to see a little metal bracket piece laying on the ground. Thats what was causing my issues.

[1-3-2-4]

The bracket that the brake pad sits in? I've had that before... I also when I did my rotors I found that the rock shield was pushed just close enough that it would hit the rotor when making a sharp turn.

[geckoboy86]

Had a new grinding noise. Had to replace my back pads. Driver rotor is a smidge messed up now. gonna replace it here soon.

My pads (before i replaced them) in the back are wearing severely unevenly. the outside pad looks all but new. the inside one there isnt much left. What would cause this?

[Huffer]

Sticking piston in the caliper. Take the calipers off, grind/shave off any rust. Regrease any sliders & pad shims. Try bleeding the lines to eliminate any air bubbles. If that doesn't work, then you'll need to look at new calipers, which aren't bad if you get a core replacement.

[geckoboy86]

Rotor Question.
Are the rear rotors the same between a BD6 L and a BD6 GT?
if so, same caliber too?

How hard is it to upgrade the front rotors from an L to a GT? What all needs replaces?
i know i need new wheels(>=15)

[Huffer]

Depends on the year, but as an idea:

1998 L
Front brake 10.1" disc

1998 GT
Front brake Front: 10.7 disc with dual piston caliper

I'm betting if you'll need the dual piston caliper + the larger rotor + caliper bracket + pads.

You can also get Impreza RS brakes from 98-00, they are the same as the Legacy GT brakes.

[geckoboy86]

ok...with the dual piston, do i need to do anything else or will my brake system still work the same?
Do i need a new brake dust plate thing(thats what I can it, its the thing behind the rotor)?

Can i convert the rear and then later on do the front?
Will the rear (if converted) clear my stock 14" steel wheels?

BTW, thanks a bunch huffer!

[Huffer]

Honestly, I don't know if you'll need the caliper brackets - but you will if you don't have the 2 piston caliper up front.
Do you have rear disc brakes or drums? If you have drums, you'll need the entire rear hub assembly off a car with disc brakes.
You'll have to do a conversion like the RS25.com fellas do.

The thing behind the rear rotors is the brake dust shield, and isn't necessary if the car never sees gravel. You can just bend the lip back if there's not enough room.

I don't think the 14" steels will clear the disc brakes.

You might like to remember this: Don't mod what you can buy stock.
But good luck anyway!

[geckoboy86]

My L is a 4 disc brake model with ABS. My car does occasionally see gravel and dirt. My favorite place to go is the lake in my signature. its about a mile and a 1/2 from the nearest paved road (first 1/2 is gravel).

I was thinking about going with the LGT brakes because there are not so many options with rotors for the L. The LGT has alot of different style rotors (drilled, slotted, both). I want that on my L. My first 2 cars were ok...Im not gonna skimp out on safety with this car, I want to stop and stop quickly if i ever need to. I do a few runs on some twisted roads in my home town (dont worry, im safe about it, i never cross that center line...lol) and I want my brakes to stay cool.

I'm also interested in the bigger caliber. Bigger caliber with a bigger rotor should be alot more fiction which should be a greater stopping force.

I know when I do tire shopping I'm not going with the el cheapo (nor am i going super hign end).