[Armadaof1]

A new brake problem. Started day before yesterday. Brake squeal from front brakes followed by a slight pull to the right that becomes very noticeable under about 5mph (steering wheel turns approx 20-45 degrees to the right if not held tight). At any other normal speed 25mph and higher, braking is excellent, no squeal, straight line stopping - until you get to the very end.

I inspected the left front brake, fearing that a pad had disintegrated, etc. Nothing. Same with passenger side.

Random info: new rotors fix approx 10k ago with no further warping problems. Just approaching 30k on the truck. Almost exclusively rural highway and in town driving with occasional trip down the interstate.

Any ideas?

Matt

 

[Rossi]

They make noise...but the pads seem in good shape. But pulls hard on braking. Well....do you have aftermarket tires/wheels? There bad on the front end. You have have an idler/pittman arm that is worn causing the Mada to pull to the side. Or a tie rod. But the noise...is it the low pad indicator rubbing the disc? The low pad indicator is just a metal clip that will rub the disc when it gets low...makes a high pitch scream....you may not be able to hear it at higher speeds.

 

[Armadaof1]

Stock tires and wheels.

Plenty of meat on the pads and the low pad indicator isn't rubbing.

The only external factor I can add is that the weather just bumped from 40-60 to 60-80 over the past two days.

 

[scr38]

You need to inspect the caliper pistons on the right caliper. There have been some problems with the pistons cracking/chipping. This could cause the brake on that wheel to not release completely. Don't worry about a idler/pittman arm since there aren't any on the Armada. (rack and pinion steering don't use them)
This is a problem that need attention now. Correct it before it causes more damage. If you aren't confortable doing the work yourself take it to someone you trust. If it is piston failure it should still be covered under warranty..

 

[Rossi]

You need to inspect the caliper pistons on the right caliper. There have been some problems with the pistons cracking/chipping. This could cause the brake on that wheel to not release completely. Don't worry about a idler/pittman arm since there aren't any on the Armada. (rack and pinion steering don't use them)
This is a problem that need attention now. Correct it before it causes more damage. If you aren't confortable doing the work yourself take it to someone you trust. If it is piston failure it should still be covered under warranty..

whoops...that's right....mental lapse...forgot about the rack and pinion.... See....told ya SCR was the man!!!

 

[Armadaof1]

Thanks. Looks like I found a project for Memorial Day weekend. I'll take some photos if I find anything.

 

[Armadaof1]

I pulled the other tire and inspected the brakes. Again, no obvious problems, no scoring on the rotor, no cracks or other issues with the pistons. I reassembled it and cleaned it thoroughly with brakleen. Then took her for a test drive.

About 95% of the problem is gone. I'll add more info if the problem reappears after a few more miles of driving.

 

[justayear2004]

Had it a week and brake problems

Hi all,
I am the one that bought the used Armada LE with ~24K miles.
I went to for a short errand yesterday and started pulling out of a parking lot and had a terrible feeling. It felt and sounded a lot like the ABS engaging but I was only going a few miles per hour and as I drove off the sounds went away. When I went to stop again, the same thing only more grab this time and a definete pull to the right. I looked down and the brake light went on.

Even though it sounds like ABS, it feels like a caliper hanging up. I understand from the previous owners that the dealer had replaced the rotors and the pads with no fight. I called the dealer right away - of course it was 5PM on Friday, so I am taking it in on Tuesday. Really bums me out cause I wanted to clean it all up and drive it this weekend.

I left it at work last night since it was raining with 40-60 mph winds, didn't feel it was safe to drive in those conditions. The dealer said it was ok to bring home so I am going to go get it.

I'll post what they find on Tuesday.

Rhonda

 

[Armadaof1]

Problem returns

Brake pull has returned. It is now noticeable at higher speeds (approx 30mph) and is very reminiscent of when my front drums on my 65 Mustang would get wet - if you hit the brakes mildly you better have a good grip on the steering wheel. Armada consistently pulls right.

So I'm scheduling a service appointment for next week. I'll be interested to hear what they find.

On the good side - the front brakes have yet to warp in the over 5k since the updated rotor repair.

Matt

 

[92TripleBlack]

Dealer, new brake fix. Warranty, done.

 

[Armadaof1]

Update on this.

First, the brake fix that is talked about elsewhere doesn't deal with sticky calipers, pistons, etc - it is aimed squarely at size, quality, and heat dissipating properties of the rotor and pads.

Took the truck into the dealership. They inspected the brakes and found nothing out of order other than the pads that were replaced as part of the rotor/pad/bolts upgrade had the parts sticker still on the backing. This was identified as a possible source of the recent brake squeal.

As for the pulling to the right - dealership highlighted a need for alignment and tire balancing. Fine - it's been 20k since the last balance/rotation and 30k since the original alignment.

I'm not convinced the problem is solved. The wife picked up the truck last night, I'll drive it this afternoon to see if it's fixed.

 

[jensarmada]

Stock tires and wheels.

Plenty of meat on the pads and the low pad indicator isn't rubbing.

The only external factor I can add is that the weather just bumped from 40-60 to 60-80 over the past two days.

Ok my 2004 SE Offroad does the same thing, it squeaks like crazy and pulls always to the right at lower speeds. The rotors are 1,500 miles old so are the front pads, right now I have stock rims and tires what is going on? It has been to the dealer 3 times with in 3,000 miles for brakes, rattles and the usual. Any help!