I Need a Man! Now!

[2ndtime]

Gotcha!

Blokey advice needed please.
My car has suddenly developed a high pitched grating noise. It is very inconsistent, in as much as it happens every time I drive but is not constant IYSWIM. The thing is when I apply the brakes is stops until I take my foot off the brake pedal, then it starts again.

The trouble is DH says "it's just a noise, cars make noises". Very reassuring dont you think. I'm worried that it's something serious, i.e., the brakes are going to fail on me.
Do you think his lack of concern is to do with the fact that we recently took out substantial life insurance?

What could it be?

Do I over ride him and take the car to the garage and get ripped off by a bloke who knows it is "just a squeak"??

I am not male but I do have 2 car daft brother and df! it sounds like it could be your fan belt. Shouldnt cost too much.

was going to say loose Fan belt to.

if your hubby is any good at DIY a Haynes amnual and a belt should cost less than about £50

I didn't think of the fan belt. Would that stop when you brake though? Thinking about it it isn't the screachy noise of a fan belt slipping, more grating. I thopught it could be the wheel bearings but that wouldn't be affected by braking would it?
DH is actually quite good a DIY but bloody useless with cars. I dont think I would trust him to do it.

HMMmm. I have done a bit of research on a car troubleshooter thingy and apparently it is one of three things-

1. Brake rotor is warped.
2. Wheel bearings are out of adjustment.
3. Brake drums are badly out of round.

My money is on which ever is the most expensive to fix. The bloody car is just out of warranty!

Whatever it is I'm going to take it to the garage tomorrow incase it is the brakes. I hate to upset DH but it sounds like his "just a noise" theory is a load of crap and I'm right again as per usual.[why is there not a smug bugger emoticon?]

My first venture into the men's room...

My guess.

The fact that it goes when you use the brake indicates it is a brake problem. It could be the rotor (aka brake disc in UK English) or the drum if you have them on your car. Can you tell us the make / model? Many models now don't have drum brakes.

Have you tried if that works with the handbrake applied slightly?

I doubt it is the bearings as that wouldn't cease when braking, only when stopped. Likewise, the fanbelt would only do that on acceleration, I have noticed it a lot on vauxhalls / opels.

It may be a warped disc or damaged drum, these may need replacing at worst or skimming (removing some metal so they are flat / round again) at best.

It could also be something as simple as a bit of grit trapped between the brake pads or shoes and the drum / disc, but I doubt that would stop when you braked.

If you are very lucky it may just need the brakes adjusted as they are not returning properly when the pedal is released and are rubbing against the metal surface. Likewise a damaged return spring on drum brakes.

Can you work out where the noise is coming from? Front or back? Left or right?

Sorry to go against DH's wishes, but I suggest you get it checked out asap as running it too long could create more expensive damage.

Hope that helps.

PS I have no idea what IYSWIM means. Ok, just got it - if you see what I mean. DOH!

There was a business program on BBC2 (Dragons Den) where people applied for funding for their great ideas from a panel of successful entrepreneurs. One idea was a telephone service for car breakdowns. The end result always seemed to be: take it to a garage. Same here!

Turns out it was a worn brake pad.Ha ha DH. Cost £75.00. Could have cost a lot more if we'd left it and the disc had worn too. I do like to be right. Thanks for your suggestions Mr. Spanner seems like you were on the right lines.
Welcome to the mens room by the way.