Ok, I have a 97 Chevy Cavalier. Its old and it runs a little rough, but other wise is fine except for when I brake---if I brake too hard, there is a big "thump" noise that happens. And also, it seems the alignment is off, but only when I'm braking. I don't know if I should keep driving on it or get it fixed, because I'm in the process of saving for a new car, so would it be worth it to get it check out? Nobody I ask seems to know what the "thump" noise is. Also, when I turn right, it sounds like something is scraping something down there...anyone have any idea what could be going on?
2006-06-26 14:31:42 · 16 answers · asked by The one and only 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
"Does your car stop the way it should when you brake? Do you have to put your foot on the brake pedal all the way to the floor to get your car to stop? If so your brakes may be well worn."
No, it doesn't have a problem stopping, except when the pavement is wet, then I have to allow extra time to stop. Everything seems ok except for that stupid thump. Thanks for all the help, I will go get it checked out on my next day off.
2006-06-26 14:44:48 · update #1
If it seems like the alignment is off when you brake, that's an indication that something is very wrong, either with your front brakes or with the front suspension. It's great that you're saving for a new car, but it's never wise to second-guess brake problems. Please have someone take a look at your front brakes and suspension. It isn't safe.
2006-06-26 14:39:03 · answer #1 · answered by nickdmd 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If it's a warped or high spotted rotor the brakes would pulse like you
were pushing your foot on and off the brake pedal, it sounds like you have a bad caliper. First get the frond end of the car off the ground and on a pair of jack stands then just go under there and start grabing things and try moving them back and forth and see if you can recreate the thumping noise, then grab the wheel and twist it back and forth fast and see if that makes the noise if neither of those things make the noise it's probably the caliper.
2006-06-26 15:30:35 · answer #2 · answered by booboo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad strut/bushings r gone. Strut acts like a control arm, but your car doesn't have an upper control arm. This could possibly solve both problems ,as the strut could be leaning into the brakes when u apply them(this causes "thump" sounds also scraping sounds when the car is turning).This is what I would check first! This replacement of struts costs around $100 per side. This is in Georgia so I don't know about costs elsewhere.
2006-06-26 15:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by jmhwme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your car stop the way it should when you brake? Do you have to put your foot on the brake pedal all the way to the floor to get your car to stop? If so your brakes may be well worn. Ask friends or family for recommendations as to where is the best place to take your car to have the brakes checked for wear. It's good to save for a car, better if you are still around to drive it!
2006-06-26 14:41:03 · answer #4 · answered by papricka w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello. It sounds like your brake rotors may be warped and the scraping could be coming from the wear indicator that is built into the brake pad to tell you when the brake linings are getting low enough to be changed. Please have it checked out as soon as possible. The thumping coming from the rotors can be machined away or just have them replaced. Take care and I hope this helps. God bless.
2006-06-26 14:43:47 · answer #5 · answered by ctk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have your car inspected by a qualified technician.
I know this sounds like my answer to everything, but without a set of eyes and ears, cider cannot help.
Most likely, the "thump" is the result of something shifting forward while you are braking.
Check the motor mounts, transmission mount(s) and the CV shafts. If you hear a "CLICKCLICKCLICK", especially while turning, your outer CV joint reqires inspection
2006-06-26 18:25:49 · answer #6 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
will be air in the strains favor to bleed the brakes or the draw close cylinder will be undesirable or undesirable or leaking damage cylinders( search for brake fluid on the floor through the wheels the position you end at) the emergency brake is administered through a cable would no longer be connected. if this become finished at a save have them restoration it properly
2016-11-15 07:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea, you got to get the car on a lift and have someone look at it to be sure, if you got something scraping and thumping down there chances are its going to brake down sooner or later unless you have it checked out.
2006-06-26 14:38:05 · answer #8 · answered by guru 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the car pulls to one side when you brake then the rotor's could be warped ( the round disc that the brake pad's grab when you step on the brakes)
if know someone that is decent at fixing thing's they can have the rotor's turned at a local auto parts store(e.g. discount auto part's)
2006-06-26 14:42:22 · answer #9 · answered by coolhandnts 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is going on is that you are gambling on your life to save a bit of money. Take care of yourself by getting your brakes fixed.
2006-06-26 14:35:24 · answer #10 · answered by Larry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋