Brakes get noisy when pads are worn

By Doug McAllister

Q. I had my windows down the other day for the first time and I heard two noises I haven't heard before.

One is a high-pitched noise when rolling at slow speeds but it goes away when I step on the brakes, so I don't think it's the brakes.

The other noise is a clacking sound when I go over light bumps, it sounds like it is coming from the front end. Can you give me some direction?

Oh, my car is a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.

A. These are fairly common problems on this type of car. The squeal noise does actually sound like your front brakes are worn down.

There is a wear indicator built into the brake pads that begins to rub on the brake rotor when the pads wear to a certain point. When you apply the brakes, it dampens the sound from that wear indicator.

Don't wait long to get that looked at as you will run out of friction material soon and be metal on metal.

As for the other noise, you may be dealing with worn or broken sway bar links. These are on both sides of the car and if the broken link is still there, it could cause a clicking or clanking sound.

Sometimes on these cars the actual stabilizer bar is the problem and the end rusts right off. This should be checked into as well because the handling of the car will be compromised!

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.