Squeak on the drivers side rear when I let off the brakes?

JEFFPRRSH

MEMBER
2004 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

Today, my civic started to squeak on the drivers side rear when I let off the brakes. The car brakes fine. No grinding noise or any thing, but even when the car is turned off, if I push the brake pedal and release it. There is this squeak sound. Its almost like a short whistle. No fluid leakage anywhere to be seen at all. It is loud enough that I can hear it in the car when the car is running.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi,

What I suspect is happening is this: On the rear brakes, the backing plate has a sliding surface which the brake shoe touches. Those points get dry, rusty, and dirty from normal use. As a result, you will actually hear a squeaking sound when apply and release the brakes.

What needs to be done is this. The brake shoes and hardware should be removed and the slide surfaces should be cleaned and lubricated with brake grease. What I have done is provide the directions for replacing the rear brakes. I highlighted the section where it indicates lubricating the sliding surfaces.

The directions are for brake shoe replacement. However, you will need to remove and replace them regardless if you replace the shoes.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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