Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Havin' some brake issues.

I currently own a 1996 Mystique. I've had a car with disc brakes before, and replaced disc brakes before, but never have I had these problems:

1) My brakes are making a rumbling noise whenever I slow down, and it gets really bad when I'm comming to a complete stop. It's not a grinding really, it's a rumbling noise. I took the wheel off, and the pads do not look worn out. I did notice the caliper is very black, and actually looks like if I were to hit it with a hammer, it'd probably disintagrate. I don't know if that has something to do with it.

2) I decided I was going to just try replacing the pads. I took the clip off, and was trying to remove the allen screws, but the 7mm allen wrench I was using would not work. It'd go in about 1/8", and no further.. I couldn't turn it, 'cuz it'd just fall out of the hole. So I tried a 6mm but of course that was too small... and 3/8" SAE wouldn't work either.

Basically, I'm really confused. I need to get this problem fixed asap. I have to drive my car to work daily, and right now, I have no choice but to keep driving on the brakes the way they are, and using the e-brake whenever I can. My funds at the moment are very limited... so I'm thinkin' I'm up the creek without a paddle.

possibly warped rotors?

i remember someone saying the calipers are held on my torx bolts (mine have normal bolts for some reason)

you will need to go buy a set of torx sockets

Have to remove calipers using a torx socket (i believe it's a t47) then the pads are easy to remove. It's possible your rotors are "warped", they can be resurfaced for pretty cheap. Make sure to use brake lube/grease, or they'll be squeaking.

That rumbling may just be the pad backing plate rubbing agaist the oxidized (rusted) portion of the rotor. You know, where the pad didn't keep the rotor nice and clean/shiny. The backing plate is wider/taller than the pad's friction material, so when you don't have any more friction material left...you backing plate will rub up against the highest portion of the rotor surface.

This sounds very similar to how my rear brakes ended their life. I would suggest getting your pads replaced ASAP, before you damage your rotors and have to replace them too. If you are on a tight budget, find the cheapest pads you can get (generally ~$20/set) and throw them on until you can do the job fully. While this isn't the "best" thing to do, it can extend your $$ outlay a bit.