McSwine

My 2000 LS has developed an odd noise. When stopped, with the car good and warmed up (it does not do it when cold), I can press the brake pedal and I'm getting a creaking noise. I thought it was suspension related, but I've put in in neutral and there is no load on the suspension at all. I took it to my good independent shop, and they bled the system at all 4 corners. The petal does seem to be somewhat spongey, so I'm wondering if I've got brake master cylinder problems.

Anyone ever have anything like this?

sonyman

It's probably the backing plates on your front brake pads if you're hearing the noise from the brakes themselves. They've become warped with age. It's nothing to worry about, but replacing the pads and backing plates will cure the noise. I had the same issue and this was the fix.

McSwine

thanks, man...I feel a lot better. Do the backing plates come with new pads?

sonyman

To be honest I don't remember. If not, they'd be part of the fitting kit which is just a few dollars extra.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

its not the backing plates, its the strut bar bushings.

i had the same issue on my old 95 and went through a few diagnoses before coming to that.

McSwine

No, the strut bars and bushing have been replaced...this is without question braking related. As I said, the noise happens while stopped with no load on the suspension at all.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

hmm, very odd, i had the exact same problems and strut bars cured it
you didnt install polyurethane bushings in the strut bars did you?

McSwine

No, Lexus parts. Yes it's odd and I hate odd. I appreciate your input, tho.

amcdonal86

I am having the same problem. I had this problem before, and when I replaced my pads/backing plates/hardware OEM, the problem went away. Now it is back. Worse than ever! It happens in neutral and is very loud. Very apparent from the front left wheel. Why the heck can't Lexus make a quiet brake pad???? Or are my calipers about to seize or something?

Sick03L

Bringing this from the dead. My 2000 ls having the exact same issue from the drivers side brake caliper area. Pads look good. Strut bars are new. Its the most horrible creaking and it only does it ince there is some heat in the brakes. Im thinking of replacing the caliper but dont want to if its just pads n hardware. Please help!!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The usual question:
How many miles on car?

Does the creaking only occur when braking or when going over road bumps/driveways?

Sick03L

Notl bumps. Any time pressing the brakes even in nuetral park. Its def coming from the front left caliper / brakes. 160, 000 miles on the car.

Sick03L

Its idenical to the original posters problems.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

have someone press on the brakes while you look at the caliper (with the wheel off if necessary). You may see the caliper rocking ont he mount which may be an indication of a partially seized/sticky piston.