Annoying Front End Creaking Noise

Ok, I have been reading alot of the posts about people having clunking and grinding noises from the front ends of their Aleros when making turns or going at low speeds, but my my problems are a little different. When I start applying the brake at a stop light, etc, I get more of a "creaking" type of noise. It continues to make the noise until I reach a complete stop. When let off of the brakes to go, I do not hear the sound. Its only when I begin braking. This has been going on for about 3 or 4 weeks now and getting worse, as I have noticed in the last week or so that there is a shudder along with the "creak". Supposedly according to the dealer, the brakes are fine. But as we all know, take what the dealers say with a grain of salt when it comes to those high quality GM brakes.
Any ideas on what it could be? First I was thinking it was the brakes b/c they are a little spongy, but after reading a post about the brake pedal problems some were having, maybe the brake pedal is my problem? Its embarassing and annoying, so if anyone has any ideas it would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Amy

[5-lO]

I get this on my 03 GT too, its like the sound plastic makes when it cracks... i think its the chrome techs ??

Originally posted by Free03GT
I get this on my 03 GT too, its like the sound plastic makes when it cracks... i think its the chrome techs ??

Thats exactly what the noise sounds like. Perfect description. But what is a chrome tech?

[5-lO]

Rims by GM that are chrome plated... it sounds like it comes from all the wheels when im outside... like theyre expanding and contracting or sometihng,... i hear it more on the driver side front... cuase im right there

[klc317]

I have the same problem....but mine is only when making a low speed left turn...and trust me, I have been through the Goodyear tire problem. Its kind of like a creaky, popping, plastic rubbing sound that is new to my car. It is most noticeable when the car is still cold. Is this maybe a bad strut? Bearing? Its not when applying the brakes, just a creaky noise from the drivers side front, especially when the car is still cool, mainly during turning left. Help us out here!! My car has lots of warranty left, guess I should take it in.

[atc3434]

I'm also hearing that creaky plasticy sound in my front end, getting curious as to what it is. Its mostly when cold, and not related to turning.

[Greed4Speed]

break noise most likely

[POLO/GT/02]

I am not sure if this helps but, I had a similar problem with my 02Gt. The noise came from the front drivers side at a stop, not while braking. It made a creaking sound as I applied and released the brake pedal at a light or pulling into a parking spot. I took in in and they found that the caliper did not set right and had some play. They replaced it and the noise went away.

[swordfencer]

Thanks for the tip. I am getting that same noise in my front end as well when I brake. I am going to have the dealer take a look at the front rotors and calipers when I bring it in.

[claymore]

I have this problem as well, I took it to a dealer and they told me that it was just the caliper moving when i pressed the brake. They quoted me a 300.00 bill to replace the calipers. they said other than that every thing was fine and it wasnt hurting the brake system at all. They made sure every thing was clean and lubed and sent me on my way.
I said no thanks to the caliper replacement and have just been dealing with the creak noise. I plan on doing a complete brake system in the future so I can deal with it till then.

[dna_dan]

So that''s it?? We're just supposed to change our calipers as though they are some consumable item. I have this problem and I have tried all the remedies 1) Using brake cleaner to clean everything 2) Relubing the caliper slide pins 3) Removing the metal backing on the pads 4) Bleeding the brakes. etc. etc. etc.

Nothing seems to fix the problem and I am really ticked that the issue seems to be the caliper itself. These cars are made so fricken cheap it makes me sick. Are there any other things I can try before shelling out 300+ dollars to replace my calipers entirely??? Please advise, because I am really tired of bending over for GM.

[koolZ71]

i was told it was either the control arm bearings or the hub bearing..i am taking my car in monday for them to drive and diagnose because my cars problem is very loud..i will keep everyone updated

[AznGA]

Originally posted by AleroGirl
Ok, I have been reading alot of the posts about people having clunking and grinding noises from the front ends of their Aleros when making turns or going at low speeds, but my my problems are a little different. When I start applying the brake at a stop light, etc, I get more of a "creaking" type of noise. It continues to make the noise until I reach a complete stop. When let off of the brakes to go, I do not hear the sound. Its only when I begin braking. This has been going on for about 3 or 4 weeks now and getting worse, as I have noticed in the last week or so that there is a shudder along with the "creak". Supposedly according to the dealer, the brakes are fine. But as we all know, take what the dealers say with a grain of salt when it comes to those high quality GM brakes.
Any ideas on what it could be? First I was thinking it was the brakes b/c they are a little spongy, but after reading a post about the brake pedal problems some were having, maybe the brake pedal is my problem? Its embarassing and annoying, so if anyone has any ideas it would be greatly appreciated.

TIA,
Amy

Try sqeezing on your brake pedal when you are standing still. Do you hear that same sound? Then it's brake pads. They replaced my front ones and no more noise after that.

[jeffreno]

I'm getting that same damn sound too, like when I'm parked, I can get it to make some crazy sounds, or when I'm coming to a stop, and even when I let off of the brakes... I've had this problem for about 3 months, progressively getting worse. I've cleaned the entire system, greased the caliper pins, replaced the anti-rattle clip and metal guide plates things that guide the brake pads, and even greased the back side of the pads where the inner pad rubs against the piston and the outer pad that rubs against the caliper itself.
Replacing the pads seems like an inexpensive fix - if the pads are still good, why not sand em down just a little bit? Is this possible?
I've read people having their caliper as the problem... Well, my car is no longer under warranty and I dont really wanna do that!!! It's goin to the shop Monday also, but if I can try to sand the pads down just a little bit, i would feel better trying it first...
Has anyone ever done this???
thanks,
jeff

[dna_dan]

I get the sound while parking by just pushing on the brakes. It is worse while moving, but again, only when pushing on the brakes.

The problem seems to be the caliper itself. I cleaned the pads and everything off. There is no "give" on the pad anywhere and there is still a lot of meat on the pad left. (I don't see how replacing the pads will make a difference.) The caliper itself had a little perpendicular play on the slide pins. I don't know what the spec for this should be, but perhaps the caliper is starting to bind on the pins while sliding?? Another possibility is the metal bracket that holds the pads is somehow loose, but seeing that EVERYONE is having this issue, I think it is just another example of cheap azz GM parts, the caliper specifically.

Is is possible to rebuild our calipers? Are there aftermarket replacements? I really don't want to replace a GM part with another GM part unless I really have to.

[Molson]

There should be aftermarket replacements, don;t get hosed by GM.

[cmoore]

I am having the same problem with my 2K2 GT when comming to s stop. Sounds like creaking plastic - Maybe my Chrome Techs. Will have dealer take a look at it. Problem does not seem to happen consistently. Almost sounds like the rims are hot and they are creaking when cooling down.

[grandam-wpg]

I have been hearing the Creaking/Clicking noise under my car for about 3 weeks. I decided to make an appointment at the dealer. As soon as I mentioned creaking to the service guy he looked at my car and said "Grand am eh, I know what the problem is. Probably the calipers. We have seen a lot of them for the same problem." Got a call 10 min ago saying they are replaceing the calipers under warrenty. Good thing, cuz I dont have 600 CDN $ to blow on stuff like that.

EDIT: I could hear my creaking noise when I was comming to a stop going at slow speeds and stepping on the break. Annoying as hell.

[dna_dan]

I don't want to throw out the chome tech theory entirely, but in my case I have the aluminum wheels without the plastic covers on them.

It's crappy parts. The damn calipers suck. I bet this is part of the reason why GM hasn't really resolved the whole warped rotor issues that people continue to have. Certainly a poor caliper is going to effect pad wear and how the rotors wear.

Anyone have aftermarket calipers on their car? Part numbers anyone?

[Panacea]

The "cracking plastic" noise. I had this too, but lemme see if it's the same as you guy's.

I would hear the popping noise when I was stopping, took a left turn, and sometimes right turns, and when I went over small bumps.

Dealer replaced the control arm, but solved nothing. Then they replaced the Rack and Pinion and it solved the problem. It's sort of back now, but not nearly as bad.