Thread: Slight whine/squeal when stopping

Stone caught between a brake disc and the shield? Dry wheel bearing? Dragging hand brake?

John

Do you have tyre tools stuck to rear seat box? In my 130 they sounded like a definite hand brake drag when allowed to rattle.

Originally Posted by El Rey

Had a search through the previous posts about mystery noises but didn't see anything that matches this exactly, so posting for advice.

When I come to a stop at lights or to park, there is a very faint squeal or whine that sounds a bit like the start of belt troubles or brake wear - but I don't think it's either of those things. Happens between about 5-6km/hr to stopping.

I can hear it with the window up or down at about the same volume.
I haven't seen anyone nearby turn and look as you do when you hear automotive whining sound, so not sure if the noise is loud enough to be heard from outside.

The Defender is new, with only 2000km on it.

The noise happens whether or not the clutch is in.

Noise stops immediately when the brake is applied - the opposite of what happens if the brakes are worn.

Never owned a turbo, diesel or 4WD vehicle before so not sure if it's something usual.


Cheers in advance.

My MY15 90 developed a high pitched squeal at very slow speeds and when taking off. It sounded like brake squeal coming from the rear but very hard to pinpoint the source. I mentioned it to the dealer at first service and they cleaned the brakes but it came back after a few days, that was at about 8000Ks The car has now done about 12000Ks and the squeal seems to have gone away, or is at least much less.
I have a theory that for those that drive their defenders very conservatively, ie no hard stopping, using the gears to slow and no extreme off roading that the brake pads take some time to "bed in" as they are extremely efficient brakes especially on a unloaded 90

Originally Posted by El Rey

Had a search through the previous posts about mystery noises but didn't see anything that matches this exactly, so posting for advice.

When I come to a stop at lights or to park, there is a very faint squeal or whine that sounds a bit like the start of belt troubles or brake wear - but I don't think it's either of those things. Happens between about 5-6km/hr to stopping.

I can hear it with the window up or down at about the same volume.
I haven't seen anyone nearby turn and look as you do when you hear automotive whining sound, so not sure if the noise is loud enough to be heard from outside.

The Defender is new, with only 2000km on it.

The noise happens whether or not the clutch is in.

Noise stops immediately when the brake is applied - the opposite of what happens if the brakes are worn.

Never owned a turbo, diesel or 4WD vehicle before so not sure if it's something usual.


Cheers in advance.

Hi El Rey,

There are two likely scenarios that I have experienced;

1. Dragging handbrake - usually you can only hear it at low speeds if it is only slightly dragging. The way to test this is to crawl along at the low speed where you can hear the noise and slowly apply the handbrake and see if it gets louder or goes away. Either way by backing off the adjustment on the handbrake will fix this.

2. Dirty brake pads - easy fix if you buy a can of disc brake cleaner (from any auto shop) and spray each of the pads front and back both sides. the wheels will need to be removed to be able to do this properly.

Some people encourage bedding in the brake pads, there are various ways to do this. The likelihood of needing to do this is extremely low - I have never had to do this in mine, only on race cars and bikes where glazing of the pads is a real concern. The pads on Defenders will not be subject to the same heat cycles where this could pose an issue.

Let us know how you go...

Thanks for the tips - I will look into them.

The dragging handbrake sounds like it could be a potential culprit.

Manofaus - this one is interesting. I've had the tools out to look at and put back, and nothing was stuck or rubbing against anything that I could see. But I would never have come up with that option in a million years so thanks, will add it to the mental rolodex for future noises.

JDNSW - Can't see any stones. If problem persists will mention the wheel bearing idea to the service dept. when I take it in.

Mr Fuji - Yes mine has not been driven in anger yet, so could be a similar thing. I have done some firm stops but it's still early days.

Black 110 - Thanks for the ideas. Will test out the dragging handbrake one today and see what results.

Originally Posted by El Rey

The Defender is new, with only 2000km on it.

The noise happens whether or not the clutch is in.

Noise stops immediately when the brake is applied - the opposite of what happens if the brakes are worn.

My new 110 produces exactly the sound you describe, and has only 2000 kms on the clock too. It almost sounds like a rubber-on-rubber squeak, and doesn't sound too sinister. It seems to be coming from the rear and I only notice it when I've got my head out the window lining myself up in the carport when I park.

I might try the handbrake tip, to see if that might be the culprit. Otherwise I'm just going to add it to the list of things that add character.

Originally Posted by Andrew86

My new 110 produces exactly the sound you describe, and has only 2000 kms on the clock too. It almost sounds like a rubber-on-rubber squeak, and doesn't sound too sinister. It seems to be coming from the rear and I only notice it when I've got my head out the window lining myself up in the carport when I park.

I might try the handbrake tip, to see if that might be the culprit. Otherwise I'm just going to add it to the list of things that add character.

Apart from only hearing it out the window that is it exactly.
Maybe the same guy built both our rigs hey.
Funnily enough I haven't heard it the last few days, when I've only done short jaunts.
Maybe it takes a run into town and back for something to warm up and start getting squealy.

I've tried testing whether the handbrake being pulled stops this noise, but it's almost impossible to say, because it only manifests in the last second or so before coming to a full stop - and stops as soon as either the handbrake, the foot brake or lack of propulsion bring me to a full stop.

On we go.