Hello, I have a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT, 90k miles, automatic which I recently replaced the rear pads and rotors. Prior to the fix one wheel, when jacked up, would not freely rotate but instead had periodic rubbing (not a constant deceleration but it gripped in certain places as if the brake pads were in contact with parts of the rotor). Upon replacing the pads and rotors, the same wheel still has the same periodic rubbing which can be heard when the wheel rolls during driving and on the jack. How do I diagnose the cause of the rubbing? What could be the reason for this issue?
One thought I had is that the brake caliper may be an issue as it was very difficult to reset the piston.
Other Symptoms:
- the car rolls easily on level surfaces when in drive without the accelerator
- the brake rubbing can be felt inside the car and gets worse (more noticeable) with higher speeds
- the brake rubbing can be heard outside the card and inside the care
Any help is much appreciated!
Note: no error codes are occurring.
Did you push the caliper piston all the way back into the caliper? This is crucial because the new brake pads are thicker, so it WILL rub against the rotor if the piston adjustment hasn't been fully reset. If you did push the piston all the way in, then there is something wrong with the fitment (the rotor is thicker than normal, the brake pad compound is thicker than normal). Did you perform the break-in procedure where you accelerate to 60 mph and fully depress the brake until you get down to 20 mph a few times? This helps readjust the pistons and shaves down the brake pads a little.
@razmigb
I depressed only enough to fit the new brake pads and I have not performed the break-in procedure, only driving up to 45 mph.
I will try both of these and see if this helps with the rubbing.
Alrighty. Please keep us posted!