I just bought a 1995 15 passenger van. while backing into its parking spot I heard what sounded like metal on metal brakes. The noise only presents itself when just letting off brakes and starting to roll while turning(reverse more than fwd). I noticed that if I tapped the brakes while starting to roll it stopped. The ABS light comes on every once in a while (may or may not be related?). Anyone experienced this? Any ideas? Thanks

 

I might be time for new brake pads. That noise you are hearing is probably the brake pad metal metal wear indicator where it contacts the rotor when the pad is in need of replacement.

If you don't have a brake fluid leak and the brake fluid level is low then that means the brakes needs replacement. The brake fluid goes down its level as the pad wears off.

 

I drove the van today and ran it around a parking lot driving at slow speed. If I'm driving straight..no noise. as soon as I turn the wheel the noise starts (brakes not applied). when I straighten the wheel it goes away. it happens in both directions. I don't get it! tommorow I guess I will have someone outside the vehicle listen to where exactly the noise is coming from.
If it was in fact the brakes wouldn't The noise be present when I brake going straight as well as turning. like I said though I'm not on the brakes when it happens. I'm pretty sure that it does it a higher rates of speed as well, it's just not as easy to hear. The van was also inspected prior to me buying it, and I know they should have checke the brake pads. Even though it sounds like metal on metal brakes I cant see how it could be a brake issue. I have to believe it is a suspension/ front end issue. I should add there is no evidence of tires rubbing. could it be a wheel bearing problem? then again wouldn't there be noise going straight as well? I just hope that there is a simple fix, and the shop that did the inspection actually did their job!

 

gargamel6,

Something to consider when you look at the brakes is "missing hardware". I've seen, more than once, folks (pros included...) leave anti-rattle springs, pad shims, or other hardware off when doing repair work This can cause odd noises, sometimes benign, sometimes critical, that are difficult at best to troubleshoot. You may want to grab a Haynes manual (my favorite...) when you do the diagnosis "just to make sure everything is there that's supposed to be".

DadVan

 

Thanks for the input. I've got a hanes manual..I'll check it out. I've been looking throughout the forum. I am starting to think it might be something going on with the diff. I planed on having my pop's listen to it as I drove it a bit..but as luck would have it I couldn't make it act up! The nearest I can figure from the drivers seat is that it is coming from the rear, and it only does it when driven for at least 10 miles. I'm going to check the diff fluid, could it be that simple? While I'm at it I will check the brakes. Maybe when they were "inspecting" it they broke a spring or some trash. I just hope it is something that easy! My wife might be a little bitter if I have to sink money into it after just buying it! She just doesn't get the van! Thanks for the input

 

I am having same problem!
been working on it for 3 years.
my low speed vibration when backing and turning is coming from rear end.
dana full floating axle with limited slip.
have gone thru mechanics and am now trying to fix myself.
possible limited slip clutch discs are too tight.
I have tried additives and new lube....no change!
new hub bearings and races...no change!
new brakes...no change!
new drums...still there!
new u joints...no difference!
when it gets hot it is worse and feels like the brakes are too tight, but that has been checked by everyone.
the abs sensor ring has been checked for damage, and i am leaning towards new rearend! otherwise...I am an old chevy man but I love my 95 e350. I even bought a 2003 350.
good luck on yours and I'll post my results.

 

Beefy, just buy a new sensor.... They do go bad, contrary to what people will tell you here. They are only $25 at the dealer here in central oh....

 

which sensor?????the one on the top of the diff.?
Also does anyone know where the spout connector is on a 1995 e350?

 

Yes the one in the top of the diff, to find the spout follow the wires from the distributor to the ignition module there should be a jumper in one of the wires.