Resolved Squealing sound from back wheel area that comes and goes (Golf Mk6) [VIDEO]

[AVR2]

This squealing sound has started happening on my 2012 Golf Mk6. It's actually constant once it starts, but it sounds like it's coming and going on the video.

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It starts after about 10 minutes of driving, will last about 20 minutes, and then suddenly goes away again for no obvious reason - this is completely repeatable on every drive. It will also stop instantly with the lightest touch on the brakes, although it starts again as soon as you let the brake off.

I initially thought it might be the front brakes because when driving the noise sounds like it's coming from the front end, but I stripped, cleaned and regreased the front calipers and obviously the issue didn't go away.

I've now been able to isolate it to the rear wheels, because it stops when you lift the handbrake just enough.

Obviously I need to get the rear wheels off and have a proper inspection, but does it sound like anything in particular? There's no smoke or smell of dragging brake pads, and the brakes feel completely normal while it's happening. Would a failing wheel bearing make such a high-pitched sound that behaves in the same way?

 

[stefdds]

I've now been able to isolate it to the rear wheels, because it stops when you lift the handbrake just enough.

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[AVR2]

There's no creaking sound from the rears when pressing the pedal with the engine off, and the video shows drum brakes, not Mk6-style lever-actuated parking brakes?

In fairness I have been wondering whether it's a parking brake cable issue, but would that cause a high-pitched squealing that starts after about 10 minutes, carries on for 20 minutes and then goes away again?

 

[PetrolDave]

Sounds like time to take the drums off and check the mechanism for anything sticking. It sounds like it's something warming up then sticking and further warming causing it to free?

 

[AVR2]

Sounds like time to take the drums off

It's a Mk6 Golf, so no drums. I'm just about to take it for a drive to try and get it squealing before I lift the back end.

 

[PetrolDave]

It's a Mk6 Golf, so no drums. I'm just about to take it for a drive to try and get it squealing before I lift the back end.

Similar comment applies to sticking pistons in calipers.

 

[DrPeter]

Hi there,

You may want to inspect, clean and lubricate (or replace if needed) the caliper slide pins and seals if applicable.

Be sure to use a "High temp" lubricant designed for such applications.


drpeter

 

[AVR2]

FWIW, turned out to be the rear left brake caliper. The dust boot on the piston was falling apart. New caliper, and all good.