Any idea why my car would make a low grumbling sound when I roll to a stop. Besides the general answer of "brakes", what exactly is the problem?

This phenomenon seems to be a signature of girling brakes. They work better and sound nicer HOT. I have had several cars (Audis and Peugeots) other than my Volvo with Girling brakes (and pbr metalmaster pads)and have had this experience with all of them. First couple stops of the day or after all long drive at speed when the brakes are cold sound like hell. After that all is good. Check your pads to be sure but if all looks ok it is probably normal. I've reduced the noise in some cases by chamfering the edges of the pads on a bench grinder.

I noticed today that the noise is also happening when I'm going slow (like pulling in or out of a parking space). I'm wondering if it's the same "frozen caliber" problem I had on my '89 Saab 900 Turbo a few years back. It seemed to make the same sickening sound.

I think most of us are having the opposite happen. My '87 244 (Girling front) makes no noise when the brakes are cold, but after a little "spirited" driving, the brakes heat up and make loud groaning/grinding type noises when coming to a stop. I'm not sure what kind of brake pads I have, but they stop great when cold, and exhibit very little fade under hard braking.

I had the same problem with my 87 240. The noises started last week and were intermitent. Sometimes I would hear a low grumbling sound when I used the brakes, but most of the time they were silent.

Yesterday, I took off the rear wheels to check them out. The brake pad on the driver's side rear caliper on the outer side of the disk was completely worn down. The other pads still had about 2mm of material left. (BTW, does anybody know if uneven brake wear is a problem?)

The sound was caused by the metal backing of the pad rubbing against the disc. Unfortunately, it marred the surface. I suggest you get your brakes inspected immediately, if not sooner. You could be damaging your discs.

-brian

You are not alone, fellow poster Michael and myself both have the problem. What kind of driving are you doing when it happens? Last time it happened for me was some in-town driving after a 2 hour cruise at 80-95MPH. Seems to be worse when the brakes are hot.

In my 245 GL, automatic, I hear a rumbling sound when I brake, at about 50 kph and lower, kind of like passing concrete joints, except that it happens even on asphalt! The braking however, is very good and no swerving. The last time I checked with the wheels off, the front discs/ rotors were a bit on the thin side but the pads where still ok. I ordered the new rotors from rpr anyway, just in case. I have all solid rotors, Girling front and Ate rear.-Julio Manalo-1985 245 GL-78,000 miles

I get that sound on my 89 240 sometimes. It sounds like the rear pads are gone. I drive a few blocks and it stops nicey nice. I can only figure that maybe a little stone or something. My brakes are fine and the discs are not scratched. After 12 years (it's an early '89) I choose to ignore it knowing that my brakes are maintained by me.

It is a rough growlie sound sometimes.

Sorry, no help I know.