I Hear A Creaking Noise When I Hit The Brake

For the past 3 months I've noticed that everytime I hit the brake, I hear a creaking noise coming from the front of my car. It's pretty loud too. Cuz when I turn off the radio and roll the windows down I can hear it. I feel like I'm driving some ghetto ass car. Does anyone know what this creak might be?

[jamcllw]

worn out brakes

[cherrington17]

^makes sense to me.

if you hit the brake, and it squeeks. but it doesn't any other time, only one thing it could be....

[Redog]

Mine does it too.

The caliper just needs a bit of grease.

Notice if it doesn't creak, or at least as much after your car is really wet, like after driving in the rain, or right out of the car wash.

Well I just replaced my rear brakes so I know that it definitely could not be that. My step-dad didn't think it was anything big. Just normal wear and tear. I just can't stand the noise. And I had my front brakes replaced a year ago. When we did my rear ones, we checked the front and they were fine. I think it might be in the pedal itself. Cuz I can feel a little vibration in it. Maybe I'll have a mechanic look at it.

The same exact thing happened to April's Alero. I took out the top slide pin and it looked like it had mud for lubricant. It was apparently a mix of brake lubricant and rust. I cleaned that stuff out and cleaned off the pic, re-lubed it all and put it back together and it was fine. You could feel the popping in the pedal as you pushed it or released it. It took about 15 minutes total so it's worth looking at.

I had a problem with my slides scraping the rotor. bent them outta the way and the sound was gone.

if you feel a vibration it could be the rotors.

I agree with ShortysTRM. I let my front brakes go too long a while back and the exposed slides got rust and dirt on them. When the caliper went back in with the new pad thickness, that crap would cause it to creak as it slid in and out. It would then pop as I released the pressure on the pedal. Pissed me off until I asked a mechanic. Just pull your calipers off, and clean/grease the slide pins. Easy fix. If you let it go, you will put grooves in the slide pins and you'll have to replace them. Also run the caliper piston out and make sure there is no rust on that either. That can cause the creaking also. Since u got a 99, it might be worth it to get a caliper rebuild kit and service them completely.

Thanks guys. I'll check it out.

i have the same noise and response......was told its a wheel bearing...front right one and was told my brakes are fine....for your sake i hope its brakes

[Pimpalero03]

mine creeked if it was in drive and i wasnt even moving, the caliper. so i replaced it

[3.4 Euro Alero]

Almost definitely the calipers. Had both my fronts replaced......TWICE..... in 2 years. Road Salt really messes them up badly! My buddy is a service manager for Subaru and recommended I have them cleaned and lubed annually.