Low speed squeak from front end. Stops after about 15 mph. Brakes not applied. 96 accord lx auto. Thanks

 

What kind of a squeak is it? Does it sound like a metal to metal squeak? Or a rubber twisting squeak? Or a combination of both? Since you're certain it's up front, I'd check the sway bar end links. A visual inspection will tell you if they came apart, allowing the opposite side to travel further.

 

Metal to metal, high pitched, very annoying

 

May be due to worn brake pads. Depending on how worn out the pad is, the wear indicator can make noise even without stepping on the brake pedal.

The brake pad wear indicator is only on one edge of the inner pad. There is no wear indicator on the outer pad. You normally have to at least jack up the car to examine the inner pads. Unless you have brake lining thickness gauges to stick in to the inner pad without removing the wheel, removing the wheel to inspect is the way.

If the pads are wearing down to where the indicator is, it can make noise even if you don’t step on the brake pedal. The Honda calipers are a floating type (sliding), it moves in and out relative to the rotor and has one only on the inboard side of the rotor. As your pads wear, the piston extends out closer to the rotor. When the pads are really thin and almost completely worn, the caliper will hold the pad close enough to cause the wear indicator to make noise even if the brakes are not applied, especially if there is uneven pad wear on one side. Initially, the brake noise from the wear indicator may not always make noise even if you don’t apply the brakes, as the wear indicator may not always be in contact with the rotor. Eventually, if the pads are not changed, it will make noise almost all the time.

Check the brakes pads.

 

Checked brakes awhile ago, looked good, but may not have looked close enough. Thanks will be back if nessesary.

 

Check the inboard pads. Those little screetch-tabs that give you a warning, aren't the strongest little things. I've seen some that look like they've been bent and begin rubbing on the rotor too early, when there's still enough pad material remaining.

Or... the inboard pads might be sticking in the caliper bracket, dragging, and wearing down more quickly than you think.

 

And being a 96 it may have had a caliper or hose replaced that could be causing the pads to get chewed up quicker. I've ran into 2 bad rebuilt calipers this year. They both ate the pads right off the backing plate.

 

Thanks all,

Front driver side, pads good, but corroded and rusty caliber from being a Chicago area vehicle. Pads did not come out easily, but was able to clean with wire wheel and lube back up