Car makes a weird wa wha wa wa whaaa when braking? Thoughts?

[Dirk Diggler]

It was a Scion Xa which shares bearings with the Toyota Yaris so the aftermarket is rich with affordable options. Local mechanic charged me 300 bucks and used aftermarket parts.

Rotational noises are tricky and you sometimes need all the clues you can gather. See if it does it in reverse. Jack the wheel up and see what happens when you spin it by hand. Also, while in the air, see if you can wobble the tire back and forth which may indicate a worn bearing. If its a front wheel can you lift both front tires, start the engine and let the tires spin under engine power and see if its reproducible with soft braking? After a long drive touch the wheel in various areas and see if its hotter than the others.



Good luck. Keep us posted.

I will and thank you! Did you like your Scion? I came real close to getting an older Scion xD with more miles but Im glad a got a younger Mirage with less miles for the same price.

[Cobrajet]

If a wheel bearing is the problem then the noise will be a constant, low thrum that usually gets louder with an increase in speed. After all, you are asking the bearing to do more work the faster it spins. It will not be heard only when braking.

Wheel bearing noise will also get worse and change pitch when the car is swerving from side to side, as this is when stress on the bearing is the greatest.

If the noise doesn't generally behave this way, then the problem is likely in the brakes somewhere. I listened to your video, and I'd suspect a warped rotor. Do you feel any pulsing in your steering wheel when you hear this noise? If you do, then it is practically guaranteed to be a warped rotor.

Rotors are cheap. Rotors are easy. Wheel bearings are generally a pain in the ass.

[Dirk Diggler]

If a wheel bearing is the problem then the noise will be a constant, low thrum that usually gets louder with an increase in speed. After all, you are asking the bearing to do more work the faster it spins. It will not be heard only when braking.

Wheel bearing noise will also get worse and change pitch when the car is swerving from side to side, as this is when stress on the bearing is the greatest.

If the noise doesn't generally behave this way, then the problem is likely in the brakes somewhere. I listened to your video, and I'd suspect a warped rotor. Do you feel any pulsing in your steering wheel when you hear this noise? If you do, then it is practically guaranteed to be a warped rotor.

Rotors are cheap. Rotors are easy. Wheel bearings are generally a pain in the ass.

Ill find out tomorrow and keep everybody updated. Once again the Mirage Institution of Loving Family comes thru with support, I thank you all.

[Dirk Diggler]

[Dirk Diggler]

Allright well at my trusted Ma and Pa brake specialist and they quoted me $325 to replace all 4 brakes and resurface the rotors. I mentioned the weird noise and they said theyre going to put the new brakes on first and then see if its fixed. Im praying to God its not a wheel bearing! Ill be at the shop all morning because of course theres no aftermarket parts for the back drums so they have to special order. For any who cares Ill keep yall posted.

[Fummins]

Rock auto list's drums for just over 100 merica freedom doll hairs a side including the wheel bearing. They also show rear wheel bearings at 60-100 a piece. There are more options for the 17'+ models. I'll pray to allah for you

[Dirk Diggler]

Rock auto list's drums for just over 100 merica freedom doll hairs a side including the wheel bearing. They also show rear wheel bearings at 60-100 a piece. There are more options for the 17'+ models. I'll pray to allah for you

Cut a goats throat open for Satan for me bro! I need all the help I can get lol. What they quoted me sound fair to you?

[Dirk Diggler]

Im watching these guys threw a window work on the drums and they look like theyre struggling like hell. I thought these cars were supposed to be easy to work on. Now the shop foreman is on it. Jeez.

[AtomicPunk]

Im watching these guys threw a window work on the drums and they look like theyre struggling like hell. I thought these cars were supposed to be easy to work on. Now the shop foreman is on it. Jeez.

Did they leave the emergency brake on? Lol. Seen it happen before...

[Dirk Diggler]

Did they leave the emergency brake on? Lol. Seen it happen before...

Man I dont know, Ive had this car in their shop since 730am. What is going on? I asked if the back drums are giving them a hard time and he responded the guy is pulling his hair out, but he'll get it. They better not charge me another $75 in labor.