Rotor Noise

[jamesrg]

Hey guys,
Air cooled newbie.

My car recently started making a noise that I could hear on slow speed from the front left tire.
I thought my front bearings where grinding, there is a little bit of play per my mechanic so I will get them replaced at the next visit.

However, after some research I was going to adjust them.

I took the wheel off and spun it. That is when I noticed the brake pad seems to be grinding on a certain part of the rotor.

Took a video of it. (I know need to clean them up), at the beginning of the video look at the rotor and you can see what appears to an imprint of the brake pad.

It gets more friction at this spot when turning the rotor and I believe this is what is causing my noise.

Here is the video, and I welcome your thoughts and opinions.
What is the cause and what should I do?
THANKS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoGYaakHjtA

[Otter74]

Check to see if the splash shield behind the rotor is contacting it anywhere - there is a spot on the lower front, near the caliper, where this seems relatively easy. To my ear, this sounds like a good possibility for the noise you hear.

[jamesrg]

Thanks, checked the splash shield and no rubbing. It is almost like the rotor has a bit of high spot. Not sure what can be done about that if that is the case? I guess just get a new set of rotors.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jamesrg

Thanks, checked the splash shield and no rubbing. It is almost like the rotor has a bit of high spot. Not sure what can be done about that if that is the case? I guess just get a new set of rotors.

A transfer of "stuff" to the rotors can occur when you whip on the beast and park it hot.

There is a wonderful article here, or at least linked here, that talks in depth about what happens with pads when heat comes into play. Many folks assume rotor warping but it's actually rare.

My thoughts are to take it out, give the brakes a real good spanking and then drive it like an old blue haired lady for ten minutes. Do a new pad "bed in" procedure with extreme prejudice.

Scrub the cooties off then cool it plenty so the chemical transfer does not take place.

If you notice the grabbing starts to lessen as you beat on it, you are on the right track, well, path.

[jamesrg]

Thanks Bob!!! Cleaned them up real good and they seem better, and once the roads dry up a bit I am going to take it out and give her some proper baking in. Should be a good time,

[wrxnofx]

Originally Posted by jamesrg

Hey guys,
Air cooled newbie.

My car recently started making a noise that I could hear on slow speed from the front left tire.
I thought my front bearings where grinding, there is a little bit of play per my mechanic so I will get them replaced at the next visit.

Welcome! Do you have any pics of the car you could share? We like pics around here. Venetian Blue is a great color.

On the bearing front, perhaps you just need to adjust the play a bit. Certainly something to check out rather than automatically replacing the bearings entirely. To that end, this is a project that you can do yourself if you're willing to get your hands dirty a little bit. You learn a lot about the car by working on it yourself. Three summers ago I replaced my front pads, rotors, bearings, seals, and pad sensors. If I can do it, you can do it. Each thing you do builds a little more confidence to try the next thing. One of the hardest parts for me was getting the bearing cup off and the pad sensors connected to the pads. Everything else was just a lot of cleaning.

Perhaps you have a local Pelican who would be willing to lend a hand!

[jamesrg]

Originally Posted by wrxnofx

Welcome! Do you have any pics of the car you could share? We like pics around here. Venetian Blue is a great color.

On the bearing front, perhaps you just need to adjust the play a bit. Certainly something to check out rather than automatically replacing the bearings entirely. To that end, this is a project that you can do yourself if you're willing to get your hands dirty a little bit. You learn a lot about the car by working on it yourself. Three summers ago I replaced my front pads, rotors, bearings, seals, and pad sensors. If I can do it, you can do it. Each thing you do builds a little more confidence to try the next thing. One of the hardest parts for me was getting the bearing cup off and the pad sensors connected to the pads. Everything else was just a lot of cleaning.

Perhaps you have a local Pelican who would be willing to lend a hand!

I might give the bearings a try. I did tighten them up a bit thanks to some posts I found here.

Here is a recent pic, thanks again for all the help guys!!

[steely]

Beautiful.
Looks more Prussian than Venetian(?)
Welcome

[jamesrg]

It is an odd color to photograph for sure. Changes color depending on the light.v(as you know ) All the stickers say Venetian Blue so thats what I am going with.

[steely]

oh wow, I've never had that much change, mine always tended toward grey - sorry had to ask.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Beautiful looking car! I've attached a link below to a guide on replacing the bearings; if needed.

Porsche 911 Front Wheel Bearing Replacement | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article


-Dmitry