nmath4231

Hi everyone, I get a squeaking noise from around the rear wheels (don't trust me on the location of the noise) when I start moving the car the first time after a cold start. It doesn't happen all the time, but every time that there has been a squeak my car had been wet earlier whether from rain, dew, or a wash. From reading earlier posts, many suggested a clutch issue but my clutch was replaced in March. Also, the noise happens even if I leave the car turned off in neutral and push from the outside. The squeaking usually goes away after a few seconds, the longest I've ever had the squeak was for close to 30 seconds after starting. I don't know if it's a coincidence, but the day before I thoroughly washed the wheels and sprayed it down with a hose in the process.

Also, my suspension and wheels are stock. Does anyone have any idea what could be the problem or how I can go about diagnosing this?

hks_kansei

Probably just the rear pads dragging.

Brake rotors are iron, they rust pretty quickly.
It's most likely just the rotor faces getting some rust on them that's rubbing on the pads making it squeak.

If it goes away after the first touch of the brakes it's normal, and fine.


if you're especially paranoid check the wheel bearings for play, and look at the CV boots for a split.
But it's still 99% likely to be the brakes.

nmath4231

That's a relief. Sorry to ask another stupid question, but a quick google search tells me that I can check wheel bearing by jacking up the car and trying to rock the wheels. Is that right?

Thanks for the response, I'll update once I check the bearing and CV boots when I get home tonight.

hks_kansei

Yeah, bearings can be checked with the car on stands.

Spin the wheel with the car in neutral, wheel should spin smooth without any rumble feel. (it wont freewheel much since there's drag from the diff etc)

Grab the wheel at 3-9 and try to rock it, it shouldnt move.
repeat at 12-6, also shouldnt move



But the fact the noise is after wet/humid weather, and only for a few seconds when the car moves, pretty confident it's just rust forming on the rotors. Which is normal.

nmath4231

Thanks for all the info. I didn't see any play in the wheels when rocking it, so I'm pretty sure it's just rust forming on the rotors. Thanks again for the help!