Weird brakes question

[Deja Q]

When I start the car and back out, when applying the brakes I can hear squealing and some grinding.

When driving after a few minutes, when applying the brakes, I generally can't hear the squealing or grinding - though if I press down on the break really hard I can hear a squeal (but not grinding)

Why would it sound bad when cold, but better after running for a while?


Yes, I am taking it in on Saturday. :D I expect the pads and rotors might need to be replaced, but it seems weird that such a problem would not be constant, regardless of how long (or not) the car has been driven.

Thanks!

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Your rotors may need turning

or there may be dirt on the pads

Get'em checked! :pals:

[Deja Q]

2. Might be dirt...

I've washed the car (w/undercarriage cleaning) twice and there was a temporary improvement...

But, yeah, definitely getting checked this weekend... :D

[rug]

3. Check under the car. You may have run over some teenagers.

[yellowdogmi]

4. I had a motorcycle that would do that every morning

for the first couple of blocks then work just fine. It was typically the rear (drum) that caused the problem. It seems the shoes would just stick a bit in the morning, as they warmed they would contract properly. Best bet. Take it in.

[Duer 157099]

5. I'm going to take a stab in the dark here...

Check your radial arm suspension! no really!

Let us know what it was.

[montanto]

6. if the squealing, grinding

is in the rear initially, and not when you drive forward your rear brakes are worn out.
you use less brake pressure in the rear when going forward, and most newer cars adjust their brakes when backing up. .02

[Blue-Jay]

7. A grinding noise is bad.

That usually means that your brake pads are worn down to the metal and are scraping grooves in your rotors.

If it's just a little squeaking when your car is cold, it's probably nothing.