[mclox05]

I have an 08 ESV and just today, it started squealing when I was driving. It appears to be coming from the front, drivers side. If I apply the brakes, the noise stops completely. It appears to be running completely fine, other than the noise. Any ideas on what this could be? It has 62k miles (out of normal warranty) and I want to avoid taking it in to the dealership and paying a hefty repair bill, if it all possible.

 

[darhef]

First thing you should do is check your brake pads. If they are worn enough they will squeal and that's probably what you are hearing is the brake wear indicator telling you it's time to change them...Do you travel on gravel roads? Sometimes travelling on loose gravel can pick up a small enough stone to get caught between the rotor and caliper or the rotor and dust guard. It makes a terrible screeching sound.

 

[mclox05]

We just purchased it 6 months ago and they had just put new brake pads on it, so I don't think that is it. But I do travel some gravel areas and I did notice some little gravel pellets in my tires, so maybe there is one stuck between the rotor...that is definitely possible. Would we be able to see that with the naked eye or will the wheel have to be removed in order to see? Can you tell we're trying to avoid the shop here, lol?!? I have owned 8 cars in the last 10 years and have NEVER had so many issues. With this Escalade, it's been one issue after another! I'm truly a very frustrated owner.

 

[darhef]

If you suspect the stone is caught between the rotor and the caliper, well, your best bet is to remove the tire and have a good look. Depending on the lighting, you may need to use a flashlight or trouble light to see down through the rotor and caliper area. You'll also notice on the inside of the rotor there is a dust guard, you can pry it open gently with a common screwdriver, not hard enough to bend it, just enough to lift it away from the rotor. Anything caught in there should fall right out. This happened to me not long ago. As I was attempting to jack the truck to remove the tire, I looked underneath the front bumper to position the jack and "viola" there it was, a stone caught between the rotor and the dust guard. I removed it as I said above.

 

[sims1dh]

Sounds like front shocks. Mine is doing the same thing.

 

[andre_outlaw]

i have never met a bunch guys that were so not mechanicaly inclined in my life!

 

[darhef]

i have never met a bunch guys that were so not mechanicaly inclined in my life!

Never claimed to be a mechanic or claimed to have any great deal of knowledge in that field but, this does sound similar to what I have experienced in the past. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Cadillac Customer Service]

mclox05, if you could please keep me up to date on how your DIY fix goes. Hopefully you wont have to go to your dealership to get this fixed but I'm sure they could diagnose it and get you on the right track to fixing this yourself.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service