Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 71

I had the front pads on my wife's 2000 LX, with 37K miles, replaced and the rear drums cleaned about a month ago. About 2 weeks after the cleaning, there was an intermitant squeaking sound coming from the brakes when they are applied. It seems to be more noticeable when the brakes are hot. I just took it in to the dealer that did the brake job. Their diagnosis: there is a Honda TSB on the drum brakes because the material is incompatible(?) with the rotor. Since her car is 4 months out of warranty, the job will cost $350. According to the service advisor , the lining thickness is OK, and the squeaking will not affect braking performance and will not degrade over time.

Question: is his conclusion correct and should I not get it fixed? If braking performance is not effected, I may not get the drums replaced and live with it until we trade it in. Apparently, the drums are in national backorder. What do you think?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

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Registered: Sep 2001
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 11

My 2001 did the same thing and after about a month it just stopped. Three months later still gone. Do you know the TSB number. My dealer was not aware there was one.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Central NJ, USA
Posts: 937

I get periodic squeaking from the drums on my 2000 LX. It's just a buildup of brake dust and since it doesn't affect the braking, I don't care too much. I've had prior vehicles squeak like crazy and it didn't affect braking. I would clean the brakes and they would be fine for a couple of weeks.

If only I could stop the squeaking from the 2 kids in the back seat...

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Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 71

The only TSB that I could find on the NHTSA database on drum brakes was #010400 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTSRUM.

But this TSB only addresses the rear drum brake appearance.

There are 2 TSBs on front brake noise: #99013 Date of Bulletin: JUN 19, 2001
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
and
022300 Date of Bulletin: FEB 23, 2000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

When I asked about the occurrence of the squeaking only after the drum brakes were cleaned, he insisted that it was the incompatible materials.


I wonder if the dealer was giving me some more bull.

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Registered: Sep 2002
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 378

No TSB's mention Rear Brake Drum Squeek.. But I did happen to find this if it means anything...




Service Bulletin
. 2003 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved ATB 24958 (0302) 1 of 1

CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer.

February 25, 2003
#03-013
Applies To: 1999–01 Odyssey – ALL

Rear Brakes Groan When Coming to a Stop

SYMPTOM
The rear brakes groan when coming to a stop. When
you do an inspection of the brake system, you can find
nothing wrong with it.

PROBABLE CAUSE
Resonance transferred through the brake drum
material.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the rear brake drums.

PARTS INFORMATION
Rear Brake Drum (two required):
P/N 42610-S0X-305, H/C 7159965

Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
Office. You must request consideration, and get a
decision, before starting work.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it with
safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Press the parking brake pedal.
3. Remove the wheel nuts and the rear wheels.
4. Release the parking brake pedal.
5. Screw two 8 x 1.25 mm bolts into the brake drum to
push it away from the hub bearing unit. Turn each
bolt two turns at a time to prevent ****ing the brake
drum excessively. Remove the brake drum from
the hub bearing unit. If the brake drum does not
come off easily, back off the brake adjuster one full
turn (23 teeth).
6. Use brake cleaner and a clean shop towel to wipe
any residue off the surface of the new brake drums.
7. Install the new brake drum.
8. Repeat steps 5 thru 7 for the other side.
9. Reinstall both rear wheels. Torque the wheel nuts
to 108 N·m (80 lb-ft).
10. Press the brake pedal several times to set the selfadjusting
brake.
11. Adjust the parking brake by turning the adjusting
nut until the parking brakes drag slightly when you
spin the rear wheels. Properly adjusted, the parking
brake should be fully applied when you press the
parking brake pedal three to five clicks.
12. Lower the vehicle.

__________________
I'm not really a Honda Tech... I just play one on this forum..

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Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 71

Thanks BreakStuff, that's the one. The sound is not a groan but a squeak.

The dealer could have told me about this TSB when I had the brake job done but nooo. Since her car is only a couple of months out of warranty I guess they don't want to show any goodwill.

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Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 865

Anyone tried aftermarket brake shoes for less squealing or better braking?

__________________
Was: 2000 Odyssey LX
Now: 2005 Civic LX 4D AT

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Alpharetta GA USA
Posts: 13

Drum Brake Noise on 2000 EX

I've had the same problem. I have always followed the recommended service maintenence schedule, but my problem started with squealing from the front brakes.

I brought the van in for brake inspection in June 2003 (61K miles) and regular service to Honda Carland in Alpharetta GA. They replaced my front pads (not the first time) but also resurfaced the rear brake drums. Very expensive for such a simple job- $350.

Just after the work was done, my rear brakes started a light squealing noise, especially while going down hill. It did not bother me initially because you barely could hear it. It did not go away.

I had to bring the van back for servicing (and replacing my tranny for the SECOND TIME) and I mentioned the rear brake squealing. Of course, when I drove the van with the service advisor, you could not hear it. They inspected the brakes anyway and told me the noise was normal for the Odyssey, but it did not affect braking capability. It was safe to drive the van as is. They also added Honda had updated the rear drum to eliminate the problem, so if I chose, I could replace the drums for $250. It was not covered under Honda Care Warranty.

I don't know what they did to my brakes with the inspection, but the brakes sounded horrible as I drove home. The squealing is so loud, it's embarrassing. And now I also hear a grinding noise with the rotation of the wheels. The van is also not stopping as efficiently.

Has anyone had this problem fixed under warranty? The advisor also says the if there is a Tech Service Bulletin, it doesn't mean it is under warranty.

:
confused:

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Registered: Jun 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 71

The advisor is correct. A TSB will be fixed under warranty. If a car is not under warranty, the TSB is out of your pocket. The dealer has some discretion for a goodwill gesture to have the TSB done under warranty even if the vehicle is out of warranty. But those occassions are few and far between and usually occur if the vehicle does not have a lot of miles. I don't think 61k miles will qualify.

The squealing noise on my wife's LX is still there but braking performance has not been affected.

I don't know if this will make you feel any better but a couple of colleagues at work have had their front pads replaced at 20k miles.

If your braking performance is affected, check out your tires. Worn tires definitely affect braking performance. My service advisor swore up and down that the noise was a asthetic issue and not safety issue. I guess if it was a safety issue there would be a recall... but sometimes you never know.

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Registered: Aug 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 16

After about 25,000 miles, our 2000 LX developed the rear drum brake squeal. Dealer cleaned them out and noise was gone for about another 1000 miles, then returned. Dealer kept cleaning and we kept returning. I suspected a compatibility problem in 2001 and brought it up to the dealer, but you know how far that went. After the magic 36,000 mile mark, dealer started charging for the cleanings. The squeal eventually got worse and began to get louder. Wife was very upset about her van sounding like an old school bus pulling up to stop. It got so loud people in other vehicles were staring. Dealer finally said they would have to change out the drums, shoes, and springs ($400)...of course that would come out of my wallet (They had the TSB). Went to NAPA and got after-market drums ($65/ea), got my shoes from Advance Auto Parts ($47). No more break squeal so far, but I have to remember it didn't begin until 25,000 miles. Aside from the dealer replacing the failed Cat Converter at 63,000 under the emissions warranty, we haven't been back.

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4

I've had the same problem, but noticed mine while it was in warranty and not that they know the problem it's out of warranty.

My son almost rear-ended someone last week. He was coming up to a light and like most kids applies brakes in the last 10 feet. He got on the brakes pretty hard and was so frightened by the sound coming out of the rear of the van, that he let off the brakes and almost rear ended the volvo in front of us.

I almost wish he had rear-ended the volvo, because that is the stuff that makes NHTSA pay attention.

I called Honda NA customer service and that was about the most frustrating experince I have ever had. I imagine Honda is not used to getting too many complaints, but I got no satisfaction and no alternate course of action. Hate to say it but after 4 new Honda's, I may be looking at Toyota after this experience.

Anyway, I talked the Honda dealer in Troy, MI into giving me a 15% discount on the replacement drums today to shut me up.

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Langley, B.C. Canada
Posts: 254

I could not get rid of the noise from my front brakes; short of changing the shoes. Once I did this, and scuffed up the drums, the noise has gone away. By the way, the noise started at 85,000 km.

__________________
2000 lx fern grey. Handles, mouldings, and mirrors painted body colour. Acura CL Type S rims. PS2 with 6.8" drop down screen. Firestone coil-rite air bags.

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Registered: Jul 2004
Location: ny
Posts: 10

I had horrible squeak /groan noise from rear , throttling downhill or if testing parking brake on the road.
When removed the drum from rear left side and cleaning the dust and re-assembling that side (left, which was the louder), major noise is gone, but still heard when braking very hard (10 times less).
00lx @ 80k mil, mostly highway.

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Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 865

With aftermarket shoes and OEM drums, mine are developing squealing again at 55K but not as loud as before.

I inspected both drums and shoes and found no score/scratch/groove/glaze. Shoes are at minimal wear.

I did a left-right drum swap and now no squeal for 2k. The swapping was easy and no adjustment needed.

__________________
Was: 2000 Odyssey LX
Now: 2005 Civic LX 4D AT

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Registered: Jan 2003
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 27

Your option is to replace the drums with aftermarket or try the "new" design of drum from Honda. I went with Raybestos drums and no problems for 4k. The price was right about 1/3 of Honda. The only trouble with these was that they did not have the removal thread holes as in the originals. You can add these holes or have a shop add them. Do not install without verifying these are in place or you will be sorry.

Engaging the parking brakes while driving will cause some groaning at low speeds but no vibration or groan with normal hydraulic braking at any speed. The parking brake holds well too.

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