2001 Saturn SL1 Front brakes not working

RLB0409

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
13,600 MILES

I took my car to PepBoys because my front brakes were making a grinding/squeaking noise and the front end of my vehicle was "shimmying" when I braked. It has been 4 days, and they still cannot figure out what is wrong with my brakes. At this point, it is my understanding they have replaced the entire front brake system, brake pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, hoses, lines, and even the master brake cylinder. Everything has been replaced and everything is new. However, they are telling me that when they apply pressure to the brake pedal, there still is no pressure being applied to the front brakes. They are not working. They tell me the rear brakes are still working. What could the problem be? I haven't seen my car in 4 days and am very frustrated at this point. I feel as though I am being scammed because I am a young woman who doesn't know much about cars.

1 Reply

AUTOZONEBRAKESEXPERT

MECHANIC
47 POSTS

Hi, I'm Randy. I reviewed your question, and wanted to provide some general information that might help.

Regarding the grinding sound you heard when you applied the brakes:
* The most common cause for this condition is when the lining has worn past their service limit and the metal plate is contacting the rotor.
* Some may experience a grinding noise only when the pedal is slightly applied and the vehicle is moving very slow (such as slightly releasing the pedal from a stop position). This operation is normal.

If you felt vibration in your brake pedal when you applied the brakes:
* Pedal pulsation is caused by excessive run-out in the rotors or drums that are out of round. These conditions occur due to excessive heat.
* It is important to differentiate a warped rotor condition from ABS operation. When the ABS kicks in the driver may experience pulsation in the brake pedal. This could be confused with a warped rotor.

Also, if it ever seems to take a long time to stop the car when applying the brakes, where you have to push the pedal down hard to come to a complete stop:
* This condition is often due to � brake fade, ’ which occurs when the linings become too hot. It may be caused by linings that are too thin or brakes that are overworked.
* This condition may also be caused by air in the hydraulic system, a fluid leak in master cylinder, a hose or line leak in system, and/or if the brakes misadjusted.
* This may also be an indication that the rear (or front) brakes that are not operating as designed. This requires the front brakes to work harder resulting in overheating and longer stopping distances.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss your question. Please let me know if you have any further questions.