Sophist Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Hi, I was driving on the highway (110kph) last night and started to notice a slight vibration in the steering wheel and faint 'wubbwubbwubb' from the front driver side of the car. Fearing that I had a flat tire, I started to slow down to pull on to the shoulder. As I slowed down the vibration became much worse, almost violent. I didn't notice if the noise became any louder. Once I had pulled over, I checked all 4 tires and they were fine. I checked the front driver side brake (both rotor/caliper) and it was very, very hot. The passenger front brake was also very hot, but not nearly as hot as the driver side. I then got back in the car, pumped the brake pedal a couple times, and pulled back on to the highway. Brought the car back up to speed and did not notice any noise or vibration. It was fine for the rest of the drive (over an hour). This is the first time I've noticed the problem, though I have noticed that the car has smelled "hot" after getting out from a drive and a slight increase in fuel consumption. The previous owner had the entire brake system serviced at the stealership before I purchased it in October 2014, including fluid flush, resurfacing of the rotors and pad replacement. I'm going to jack up the car later today and take off the front, driver's side tire to see if the pads are rubbing on the rotor (which I suspect they are). Any advice/remedies? I tried searching the site/rest of the internet and saw someone with a similar problem, but no solution. The vehicle is a 2006 LGT with MT and 166 000 kilometers.
FJuan Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Couple questions here to help pin point the problem. 1. Does it only happen under braking? 2. You said it went away after you pulled over to check things out, has it come back since? My wife's balls are delicious.
doobaruGT Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 I'm guessing caliper slide pin. I had a similar issue on the highway and it would shake periodically (not while braking). I pulled over and check the same parts with similar evidence but before the caliper heated up too much. The shake would come and go. Ended up replacing both calipers as one was seized. Problem gone. Hopefully your issue is as simple. Updated parts list since original part-out here. Original Full part-out of my LGT HERE!
FJuan Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 If in fact that it is a seized pin, it's most likely going to be the bottom pin with the rubber sleeve on it. I have taken off all my rubber sleeves, relubed the pins and reinstalled. Haven't had an issues with the pins ever since. My wife's balls are delicious.
doobaruGT Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 If in fact that it is a seized pin, it's most likely going to be the bottom pin with the rubber sleeve on it. I have taken off all my rubber sleeves, relubed the pins and reinstalled. Haven't had an issues with the pins ever since. That's the ticket:). Be sure to use the subaru stuff. It requires a very specific grease I believe. I even think the permatex stuff is off limits. Updated parts list since original part-out here. Original Full part-out of my LGT HERE!
Sophist Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 Couple questions here to help pin point the problem. 1. Does it only happen under braking? 2. You said it went away after you pulled over to check things out, has it come back since? 1. The initial vibration (mild) occurred under no braking. Once I applied the brakes (gently, not abruptly) the vibration became much worse, but only when I was applying the brakes. 2. No, but this happened just last night, and I've only done some city driving today I appreciate all the replies, guys. I guess I'll call the dealership and see if they have the grease I need and take a look at the slide pins in the caliper this afternoon.
FJuan Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 My first thought would be to replace the rotors, sounds very similar to what I had experience once. I've never had any good results after I've had the rotors turned, I always bought new ones when it's time. Once I bought new rotors, the issue was gone. Other things to inspect.... - Slide Pins - Wheel balancing - Wheel bearing - LCA Bushings My wife's balls are delicious.
Sophist Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 That's the ticket:). Be sure to use the subaru stuff. It requires a very specific grease I believe. I even think the permatex stuff is off limits. I just called the stealership and asked if they had Subaru specific grease they could sell me, but the guy said that they just use the Permatex stuff. Should I just get the permatex grease, or look for another brand? I don't know how to get the Subaru specific grease (as you suggested) besides through the dealership.
FJuan Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 I've been using Castro syn brake grease for years. Just make sure to pull off the rubber sleeves on the bottom slide pin. My wife's balls are delicious.
Sophist Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 I've been using Castro syn brake grease for years. Just make sure to pull off the rubber sleeves on the bottom slide pin. Will do. I'll see if greasing the pins does anything. If not, then I guess I'll look at replacing the rotors. Thanks for all the help.
DonnyJagaru Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Heck, if it overheated that badly I'd replace everything and bleed the system. You can tell if one of the pistons is stuck by experimentation with C clamps. I recall if you push one in and the other easily pops out and then push the other and first easily pops out you're probably alright. I just used the green axle grease when I re-lubed my sliders last time. I guess synth wouldbe better here.
Sophist Posted May 13, 2015 Author Posted May 13, 2015 Heck, if it overheated that badly I'd replace everything and bleed the system. You can tell if one of the pistons is stuck by experimentation with C clamps. I recall if you push one in and the other easily pops out and then push the other and first easily pops out you're probably alright. I just used the green axle grease when I re-lubed my sliders last time. I guess synth wouldbe better here. Yesterday I went to grease the slide pins and noticed that the driver's side front caliper was seized to the rotor. Removed the caliper, greased the slide pins, used a c-clamp to push the pistons back in, and reinstalled. The rotor rotated freely after this. The passenger side was not seized, so I just greased the slide pins. Took it back out on the highway last night and the vibration came back. Ordered a new driver side caliper and a set of brake pads. Rotors looked ok, so I won't replace them unless I notice vibration/pulsing or if they're eating the pads. The stealership wanted $335 for one OEM caliper, but I ended up getting one through my friend's shop at cost for $113.
doobaruGT Posted May 13, 2015 Posted May 13, 2015 Yesterday I went to grease the slide pins and noticed that the driver's side front caliper was seized to the rotor. Removed the caliper, greased the slide pins, used a c-clamp to push the pistons back in, and reinstalled. The rotor rotated freely after this. The passenger side was not seized, so I just greased the slide pins. Took it back out on the highway last night and the vibration came back. Ordered a new driver side caliper and a set of brake pads. Rotors looked ok, so I won't replace them unless I notice vibration/pulsing or if they're eating the pads. The stealership wanted $335 for one OEM caliper, but I ended up getting one through my friend's shop at cost for $113. I had to do the same. Glad your issue is soon to be solved! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Updated parts list since original part-out here. Original Full part-out of my LGT HERE!
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