Just thought I would post a solution I recently found to a problem that has plagued me for quite some time. I have had this strange rubbery, creaking noise on my 1986 N/A happening when I brake at slower speeds, it would come and go as you apply, let up, and re-apply the brake. It had only been happening on and off when barely moving up until the last 2 weeks, when it started occurring at higher speeds and all the time.

I've checked just about everything I could think of, installed new shocks and springs, new tires, checked donut hangers, rear glass strut braces and rubber molding and still couldn't figure it out. Also inspected almost everything in the rear. Since it had only been happening when barely rolling and then got progressively worse at higher speeds, I finally began to suspect the rear brakes.

After installing new calipers and pads and turning the rotors the noise has disappeared. Apparently, my parking brake had not been completely dis-engaging when released and was hanging within the calipers just enough to make the noise. My parking brake cable was broken on the passenger side as well, so only the driver side was hanging. Needless to say I am extremely pleased this problem has been solved.

 

Coolness. Thanx for sharing...


Just whorin' through...

 

I just started noticing the same creaking/grinding at low speeds while braking, as well. Pads and disks are good. I popped the wheel off and saw that the parking brake mechanism didn't return all the way when released. Did you put any kind of lube on the parking brake cable and actuators?