Just want to say hi to the forum and hoping to purchase a 2000 gs3 with 178k, soon in the next couple of days.

The GS3 that I test drive made a squeaky noise when I put it in reverse. I can't remember if the noise came before applying the brakes or after applying the brakes. But I did remember that when I applied the brakes while the car was in drive it didn't make the squeaking noise.

Anyone have any ideas on what the issue is ?
Thanks in advance!

 

May need new break pads or new disks, but it sounds like new pads the metal from the current pads are rubbing on the disk sounds like the current pads are all worn out.

Are you sure it came from the disks?

 

If it is the brake pads or disk then wouldn't it still make a sound when I apply the brakes when the car is going forward? I only heard the squeaking noise when in reverse.

I'm thinking either the brakes or the rear suspension or ball joints is bad...

 

doesn't seem all that serious to me. If they're factory brake pads they have a 'scratch pad' built into them as they get low on material, to let you know they need to be changed. Look at the rotors and see if they're glazed or have a ridge on the edge of them, the car's got 178k miles on it, you should expect it to need pads, rotors, ball joints, tie rods, and probably getting close to a timing belt/water pump.

If the anti squeal springs (VERY important!!) weren't installed properly, the pads will shift front to back when applying the brakes in reverse, and back to front when applying the brakes in drive subsequently. This can also cause the pad surface to not make complete contact with the rotor. In this case, the back side (read: toward back of the car) probably wore more than the front, hence why you get the scratch pad in reverse and not drive.

 

That makes sense I will make sure to check the rear rotors tomorrow when I pick up the car.

jcat_GS3, how much do you think ball joints and tie rods will set me back? Are they hard to DIY ?
Thanks for your input

 

sometimes even new brake pads squeak, just gotta take them out and apply ANTI-SQUEAK spray that they sell at Advance Auto Parts... That usually gets rid of the issue, if not, change out the pads for some new ones...

 

'hard to diy' depends on your mechanical aptitude. If you know what a pitman arm puller is and how to use it, then yes you can do it yourself. Ball joints are a definite DIY. Ball joints and outer tie rods should run you somewhere between $150-200 depending where you source the parts from. I'd recommend Sewell lexus (they're a vendor here).

There must be a DIY for ball joints/tie rods at this point. If not, I believe Autozone should have the job diagram (don't buy the parts there...just get the diagram). You can probably make a saturday out of it, probably faster if you have a buddy who's worked on suspension before. Get at least a front wheel alignment any time you touch ANYTHING on the front suspension of these cars.

 

Thanks for all the input guys.

I'll see what happens tomorrow and hopefully drive home with the GS3 if everything goes well.