I've got a 97 Civic coupe and I've noticed lately that sometimes when I brake lightly (mainly in parking lots) I hear a strange grinding/whining noise coming from under the hood. I don't think it's my pads because wouldn't they make that noise all of the time? I don't know much about brakes but isn't the master cylinder located on the firewall under the hood? It sounds like it might be coming from there. Any ideas?


[Modified by wessieball, 2:23 AM 1/1/2003]

 

If the rotors are warped, that can cause the pads to move in the saddles causing a grinding or creaking noise. You usually only hear it at low speeds and light pedal presure like you describe.

As far as under the hood: Leaking boosters will make a hissing sound. And i've seen a couple one way valves make a humming noise.