2003 Trailblazer 6cyl 4WD 116” Wheel Base
Need assistance in a rubbing noise, which rubs and creates noise dominant at specific point within the rotation of left rear axle.
This entire situation started by wife complaining of rubbing noise from left part of vehicle while driving. The noise is not a continuous rubbing noise, but it amplified within a specific area of full rotation of wheel. Took off right rear wheel and discovered the dust shield was completely rusted through and fell into pieces. Bought dust shield, rotors, calipers and rear brakes. Once this was all replaced we decided to replace all front as well; calipers, rotors and brake pads. The rubbing noise did not go away.
We have analyzed the problem to the emergency brake pad rubs against the inside of rotor. We jacked truck up in air and removed tire, caliper and brake pads and it appears the rotor wobbles while the engine is running and in gear. I took a square and placed on concrete and the top edge of square does not ride against the rotor evenly. We exchanged the new rotor to ensure it was not part of problem and bought emergency brake pads as well. Replaced the rotor (2nd time) and put new emergency brake pad on left rear and noise remains.
Bought a repair manual and removed calipers, brakes and rotors and adjusted the emergency pads as described in manual. Noise remains.
The first replacement of rear rotor and the continuation of fixing noise in back was about a 2 weeks difference. There was wear of the emergency brake pad in a specific area of rotor. We have cleaned all parts and greased and cleaned again and the noise remains.
The only thing we have not done is replace the rear axle shaft seal, bearing and axle shaft itself. The truck has never been in accident or hit hard on object. This also started after 9 months of the truck sitting in garage.
Any ideas????
First thing you can do would be to remove and leave the park brake pads off for testing to make sure this is in fact where the noise is coming form. Sounds like your pretty sure already. If there is no play in the outer axle shaft bearings then I would look for the axle shaft to be bent.
You may think you weren’t in an accident but the guy who drove his snow blade into it at the local grocery store and didn’t tell you about it might have a different story. Things happen.
Once you have removed the axle shaft you will be able to check the shaft for straightness.
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