Grinding/vibrating sort of sound/feel while driving slow?

[jjp11]

I have a 2001 RT/10. I had the Stoptech Big Brake kit installed almost two years ago, and they only have a couple thousand miles on them, if that.

The other day I was out for a drive, and as I slowed to probably under 15mph, I heard a loud sort of grinding/scraping sound.. It felt and sounded as if I had run over a tree branch, and it got caught underneath the car and was being dragged against the street until it broke off. Maybe a better description would be that it felt like the parking brake activated all of a sudden? I don't know.. The first time it happened, it lasted a good 3 seconds.. It ended up happening a couple more times while on the way home, but to much lesser of a degree, lasting no longer than a seconds and not as loud. Twice when I slowed to under 15mph while turning. Another time when I slowed to under 15mph, but on a straight. It didn't happen every time I'd slow down to a crawl or completely stop, only a few times. I don't believe I was actually using the brakes or clutch at the exact moments it happened. Any thoughts?

 

[denniskgb]

may be stupid suggestion but check not brakes but level of grease in the grease points at the wheels.

 

[Viper98912]

Or maybe a rock or twig got stuck somewhere.

 

[DrumrBoy]

Is the grinding a continuous sound (when going slow) or is it cyclical? If cyclical, check for warped rotors (or something else that rotates). If its continuous check wheel bearings or undercarriage for any shiny bits that would suggest interferences.

 

[jjp11]

It was definitely continuous.. The only time it lasted a significant amount of time (around 3-4 seconds), was the first time it happened. After that, only a very brief (1 sec) grind/vibrate. I looked under the car several times without it being on a lift, but didn't see anything.. I also checked the wheel wells and brakes, but didn't see anything. My trusted mechanic is out of town right now, or I'd take it in. I really don't want to have to take it on the highway, or drive it at all for that matter, until I figure out what is wrong.

 

[steve e]

Sounds like your car might sit for a week or so at a time, if so could be just surface rust on the rotors, a few good stops cleans them off, nothing to worry about. But have your Mechanic take a look, brakes are to important to mess with.

 

[kblake905]

I had a similar noise....turned out to be the front hub nut was loose, they do not use a cotter pin to prevent from loosening?

 

[jjp11]

I had a similar noise....turned out to be the front hub nut was loose, they do not use a cotter pin to prevent from loosening?

Was it pretty loud? I think the noise I heard was plenty loud enough for the cars around me to hear.. And I have a full Belanger exhaust system with headers... So it takes a lot to hear anything over that exhaust.

 

[SingleMalt]

Check the rear e-brake cables. It's possible they were tied back and the tie snapped and now the metal cable shield is rubbing the inside of your wheel.

Good luck figuring out your issue!