brakes moan when reversing

[shepv8]

Hi all,
as the heading states, my 06 manual LX makes a load rubbing/moan as I slowly reverse out the driveway. Its really loud and if I gently apply the brakes it gets louder until I have about 1/4 to 1/3 pedal pressure then the noise totally dissapears until I release the brakes and it comes back again. Only seems to happen when the car is cold or hasent been driven in a while, and when going forwards at speed its not evident. Disks are dba slotted and pads are bendix CT. about 40,000kms on them and hardly worn at all. The car has done 140,000kms though. I dont think the disks are warped as they brake smoothly and we arent heavy brakers, Id say about normal in terms of heavy application. Any thought?
Cheers
Shep

[marg99]

Could be the hand brake mechanism holds them a bit too close to the rotor
I think its self adjusting on the rear disc pistons

[dustint89]

I get this too on my 2005 Focus zetec. Only in reverse, it sounds like metal rubbing on metal.

[kevino]

The wifes 2006 CL does exactly the same thing. My next door neighbour an old guy who has experience reckons its something to do with the handbrake.
Its due for a service in 4000kms and I,ll get the mechanic to fix it.

BUT meantime...................any comments or ideas welcome!

[shepv8]

at first I thought it was the rear brakes but now Im thinking maybe its at the front end. kinda hard to be sure

[Russ]

Just as a suggestion, try jacking the car up and spinning each wheel in an anticlockwise direction, at least you should be able to work out which wheel or area the sound is coming from. Could also be slightly warped rotors as well :(

[shepv8]

upon further investigation it also rubs without the brakes applied although not as bad eg. when the car is first started up in the morning and I back out straight it makes no noise, if however I apply any steering the rub noise starts and if I brake the noise is really loud. I will jack it up and see where its coming from

[marg99]

Check that the bearings on each wheel are not loose . Do this by seeing if there is rocking movement when the wheel is jacked up. Has been known to be front wheel hub bearings fail allowing wobble and eventually issues with the ABS brakes as the sensor looses connection or excessive brake pedal travel as the rotor wobbles pushing the pads back .

[shepv8]

Originally Posted by marg99

Check that the bearings on each wheel are not loose . Do this by seeing if there is rocking movement when the wheel is jacked up. Has been known to be front wheel hub bearings fail allowing wobble and eventually issues with the ABS brakes as the sensor looses connection or excessive brake pedal travel as the rotor wobbles pushing the pads back .

ok will check that thanks. Are the the front bearings removable or are they a sealed hub like on the falcons etc

[Mortbrad]

Originally Posted by dustint89

I get this too on my 2005 Focus zetec. Only in reverse, it sounds like metal rubbing on metal.

I've got this too, I need to get this car to a proper mechanic, formerly driven by the Speaker of the House, who prefers the "in your driveway" style mechanic who doesn't seem to be able to do ****...