Hi Scotty,
I have a Lexus, ES 330, 2005, V6, automatic, with 115,000 miles on it.
Over a year ago I put new NAPA rotors, NAPA pads and rebuilt AISIN calipers on both sides of the rear. Also I had new O'Reilly brand parking brakes installed. They worked fine on both sides for 15 months.
Then this year a wheel bearing went bad on the right side and then the ABS sensor failed (in the bearing assembly) on the left side.
Two months ago I had a indy shop install a new right rear bearing carrier bracket, wheel bearing assembly, and splash guard. Everything was fine.
Two weeks ago I had the same indy shop install a new left rear bearing carrier bracket, wheel bearing assembly, and splash guard.
Everything appeared good and it ran fine for about 20 miles.
Then a knocking sound began on the left rear. Its frequency varied with the speed of he vehicle. I adjusted and cleaned the brake pads thinking they were loose and I tightened a slightly loose brake caliper mounting bracket. Knocking came back after two miles. Next I replaced the NAPA pads with Akebono pads and bracket/shims that hold the pads in place. Same knocking occurred after two miles of driving. I took it back to the shop they tore it all apart. They found the brake pads were not flat. So they sanded them flat and reinstalled them. They said the new bearing assembly seemed good. Then I drove it about 30 miles after they did this and it appeared the knock was gone. But then it started up again and became just as bad as it ever was. The knock seems to lessen while the brakes are being applied. The brake assembly became quite hot while driving it home with the knocking going on. I am stumped. What might this be? Bad new bearing? Warped rotor? Both?
Thanks,
SMW
Was the new bearing OEM or at least a leading brand such as Timkin or SKF, or was it a Chinese knockoff? If the brake is getting too hot that suggests the caliper is binding up. Are the brake hoses the original, 18-year-old parts? Of course loose suspension parts can cause noises as well. Check bushings and fasteners for looseness.
Thanks for the reply. Both new bearing assemblies left and right are SKF (from NAPA) with a 3 year warranty. Right side works fine. Left side is where the problem exists.
Something must be loose or misaligned on that side. Closer physical examination is needed.
Thanks for the replies. Still trying to get to the bottom of this problem.
Thanks for the replies. Still trying to get to the bottom of this problem.
Also bear in mind that noises can telegraph all over a car, it might not actually be coming from where it sounds like inside the car. If really tough to locate it might be necessary to use one of the listening gadgets that Scotty has talked about in his videos for finding car noises.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy5nqh3LSs4