Brake pad grit between backing plate and hub

forwheeler · 09-28-2009, 11:33 AM

I went to the track last weekend and on the way home I noticed a small vibrating sound at 77-78 mph coming from the left rear. I got home and can't find anything that would be the cause. I did notice that when I spin the rear wheel I hear a gritty sound that seem to be coming from between the brake baking plate and the hub. It sounds bad but I don't think the bearings are affected. I think it is just loads of brake dust.

Is this normal after tracking the car? I tried to blow out the grit with air but I can't seem to get it all out without removing the hub.

A930Rocket · 09-28-2009, 01:45 PM

It's not normal. Pull the rotor and check your e-brake pads.

Helmsy · Helmsy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

It's not normal. Pull the rotor and check your e-brake pads.

+1 but don't rule out the bearing.

forwheeler · 09-29-2009, 10:30 AM

I searched a little for this but couldn't find an answer. Do I need to remove the whole hub by removing the bearing castle nut or is there a way to remove the rotor itself? I don't see any ohter way but to remove the hub on my 79.

If I remove the hub, what should I torque it back to when done?

gsxrken · gsxrken's Garage

Don't play with that axle nut. You should be able to tap the rotor off with a soft hammer. You can also screw two hexagon head bolts in two 8 mm diameter threads of brake disc uniformly to press off the disc if you had too.

A930Rocket · 09-30-2009, 02:58 AM

Don't forget to loosen your parking brake.

forwheeler · 10-01-2009, 04:17 AM

I got it off. I didn't see the 2 screws that hold the rotor on because I hadn't removed the wheel spacer.
I found a small rock in the brake shoe area. I can now rotate the hub without the gritty sound.

I don't think that is what I heard driving down the road though so I still don't know what that vibrating sound was. Oh well. I guess I will see if it returns.

Thanks for the help!