Nasty noise from rear brakes

[BikerGran]

Recently I've had the horrors when I've used the brakes, nasty graunching noise like metal on metal :eek: Had visions of expensive work to rear brakes BUT it only happens the first few times I use the brakes when I start off, after a mile or so it's fine and doesn't do it again till the next day when I drive off for the first time.................. ?????? :confused:

[maestro vans]

All my vans do that . I think its to do with the moisture during these cold winter mornings, causing the squealing/graunching. They too stop after the brake has been applies a few times. It might be worth whipping the wheel off taking the drum off and checking the condition of the shoes. If they're alright I wouldn't worry unecessarily. Usually this time of year the fan belts start to squeal as well. Don't know why but always does it. I think again its the dew/moisture. good luck

[e692wtt]

It will be fine surface rust on the brake drum surfaces, forming overnight and then rubbing off when the brakes are first used. Sounds awful but it's safe enough - but whip off the rear drums to make sure the brake shoes aren't too worn.

[BikerGran]

Thanks folks, I wondered if it was something like that.

Hm, the check on the brakes will have to wait for better weather!

[Diesel Phil]

I would inspect the rear drums at first light! "Expensive work" is not neccessarily right, or even with new parts, any noise like metal on metal from the brakes may well be exactly that. Did the garage carrying out the work give you the old bits to inspect?
My concern stems largely from the service I had on my Focus, costing £600 nearly all on the brakes with nothing available to inspect, which was the main reason I now drive a Maestro.

[BikerGran]

I haven't had any work done Phil - just thought it might be necessary!

[Wetfish]

The rear brakes rarely give trouble so are hardly touched from one year to the next but since something is happening perhaps it's wise to take a look after all it's the brakes we are talking about.
A shoe set off ebay won't break the bank and in most cases I've come across the handbrake linkages/adjusters will need to be lubricated to function. It's a fairly easy job if you have the confidence and it makes the car safer and it's one less thing to worry about come MOT time.
HTH
HenryR

[Steve H]

The other reason for taking off the brake drums is to clean out any brake dust from the drums and mechanism. This can also cause grinding until it re-distributes around the drum. The most likely problem though is surface rust as said above.

I would personally fight shy of buying brake shoes off Ebay unless accompanied with pictures or manufacturer name: it's a major safety item and I'd like to know who made them. I recently bought a set of shoes from a normally reputable supplier and found after I'd fitted them the car would sometimes lock up completely solid when going in reverse stopping the car with a jerk. This could have been dangerous and turned out to be a slight inaccuracy in the position of the linings on the metal shoes.

Steve H