I have a 2006 Volvo S40. Everything was great the other day but on my next trip out, a loud, annoying grinding noise started coming from the driver's side front wheel, as is the brake is dragging. Now, it's all the time, not just under braking......it actually quiets (to a point) when the brakes are applied. From a slow roll to full acceleration, the grinding noise is there! I don't want to drive the car until it's addresses now.

I don't want to assume anything (we know what assuming can do) but I did some preliminary reading....could it be the caliper guide pins are bad and need lubrication? Is this job hard to do? I am by no means an auto mechanic. Or what else could this be? Instructions, pictures etc would be of great help too!!!

Thanks so much!

 

If a brake is dragging you will smell it. Drive a few miles, get out and get down next to the wheel and give it a sniff.

Might smoke too.

 

When were the brake pads last changed. It could simply be the wear indicators. Contrary to what one would think, I have seen where they go quiet when the brakes are applied. It could also be a hard particle or stone in the brake pad. I had this happen on my Acura Integra.

Be cautious! If a brake is dragging it can cause the fluid to overheat and even boil. When that happens your brake pedal will go to the floor when you try to apply them.

If this happens, pumping the brake will build up pressure to apply the brakes.

Does the car pull to one side with or without brakes applied?
Stan

 

The first thing to do is bleed the whole brake system. If it is very cold where you are the brake system may have water in it. I have had brakes frozen due to expansion and locking the brakes.
Bleed the system when you are looking at the brakes. Also when you do bleed the system use the best fluid you can. DO NOT BACK BLEED THE SYSTEM... YOU WILL JUST PUSH ALL THAT "STUFF" UP INTO THE MACT CYLINDER.

Cb

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I put the car up on a jack the other day and it appears as though a rock had worked its way in the system. Everything else looked fine so I put the tire back on and took it for a 3+ mile drive with no issues.

No smoking, bad smells etc. Again, I appreciate all your help!

 

Excellent. Good to hear that it was nothing serious. I assume the rotor did not get chewed?
Stan