3times

Hey guys just a quick question.
I have had my car parked for the winter for the last 2 months. I have been starting it at least once a week but I havent moved it until a couple of days ago.

While I was backing it out of the garage I could hear squeling coming from the right rear brake area. This was while the brakes were not engaged. Im assuming it might be a seized caliper but im not much of a break guy.

anyone have any suggestins as to what I am looking at here

thx

-Allen

Dan_s_young

iTrader: (1)

a good visual inspection is a pretty good idea, but if you don't really know your brakes take it to a dealership... Brakes are the most important part of a car, and if they don't work, well lets not go there...

The problem is most likely something very minor, but its always better to be to careful then not careful enough.

Mazda12AGS

If it felt like it had tension on it like the e-brake was on then it might be seized up, but if itdidn't then your pads and rotors might just be glazed over. A trick we do at work for stuff like that is we take some valve grinding compound (availble at any auto store) and rub it all over the front and back of the rotor. Then go drive it. It will rough up the pads and rotors.

3times

There is no way I will take it to a dealer as I know it would cost a fortune. I rather do the work myself. Thx for the advise. I will have the car off the road until spring march - april. I plan on redoing the entire braking system during this time anyways.

Mazda12AGS

that will work too. That is always you best bet. if everything is new theres nothing that can sqeal.

Dan_s_young

iTrader: (1)

Haha I can agree that dealership don't know alot of stuff in some cases, but brakes isn't one of them...

But I agree that it could be the parking brake cable, but like I said do a good visual inspection. What year/model is this car we are talking about anyways? I really have to recommend you to start reading up on all the parts of a braking system, knowledge is power! (ya I know it sounds corny)

GavinJuice

valve grind compound doesn't have any negative effect on the pad?

3times

Well once I get myself some nice tools like jackstands and hydraulic jack I will be removing the wheel for a proper inspection. Im actualy looking forward to new rotors/rebuild calipers/new pads and possibly new brake lines. Can this all be dont for around a price of 800? Im fairly mechanically inclined so I should be able to learn and pick this up. With a little reading of my shop manual and haynes i hope that this will be a breeze. Should I get a new brake master cylinder while im at it? maybe a bleeder so I can do the brakes myself anyone have any expierience on a complete overhaul?

btw its a gsl-se

Mazda12AGS

No. You would think that it does, but it doesn't. When people come in saying they think they need new brakes because they are sqealing and we pull the wheel and they have alot of pad left. We put valve grinding compound all over the rotor and drive it. Its not that rough of a compond and doesn't stay on for that long, but it roughs up the pads and rotors enough not to sqeal.