QuestionI have never had a problem with my honda, I have owned it since 1999. I recently took it to Firestone to have the front brake pads replaced. Since then I have had it back there 5 times because of a squeak in the front passenger wheel. They replaced the rotors. Still squeaked. I took it back 2 more times so they could, using their technical term, "tweak" it. Still squeaked. I took it back, obviously very irritated. They replaced the pads with, their term, "the most expensive pads available, ceramic". During this time and throughout these many visits, I took it to Tuffy's to have Firestone's break job analyzed. Tuffy's told me the brakes were fine but seemed "dry". They also said that I needed a new master cylinder. They did not tell me why they thought this. Having said all of this my front brakes (with the new ceramic pads) no longer squeak. however, now for my issue. I have been hearing some static through my speakers when the radio is on. Furthermore, I hear a buzzing noise through them when I turn on the headlights that lasts a minute or so after driving the car and returns, the buzzing that is, intermittently. I also have been having the ABS activate without the proper road conditions. I will be almost to a dead stop on clear roads, nice weather, and the ABS kicks in. I also hear it in the dash activating. There is no indicator light on on my dash. Could this be happening with the ABS because I need to replace the master cylinder? Could the strange static/buzz through the speaker be from these issues, or sensor failures,ie:the wheel speed sensor, as well? Seems to me that if a wheel speed sensor were bad then there would be an indicator light on on my dash. The ABS obviously works, but why would it be kicking in every time I brake on dry roads in nice weather? Should the ABS line have been bled? Any wisdom you can afford this matter will be greatly appreciated!... Thank you...Chris
AnswerChris, sounds to me that Firestone did not meet or exceed your expectations as a customer. Furthermore, you definitely have some issues going on in your braking system.
The static noise from the speakers is due to a ground wire issue nothing to do with the brakes. Either a ground wire at your speakers, stereo, negative cable at the battery, engine ground, transmission ground, or internal body ground is loose or broken and is causing a loss of connection. Inspect them yourself or take this to a reputable stereo shop for thier opinion.
Brake jobs are fairly simple and non-time consuming. But, performing a few simple steps can help significantly. Inspecting and measuring the rotors for turnability and greasing the slides with a non petroleum based grease. These 2 extra steps help eliminate excess noise or squeaks by 75%. I assume Firestone just replaced the pads and sent you on your way. Fairly common practice for production shops who pump out alot of cars daily. Whichever on future returns to the shop they finally turned your rotors or replaced them completely. They might have replaced the pads or left yours in who knows.
With a 140K on the odometer I would recommend a new master cylinder as well. This should also come with a 100% brake system bleeding. By having these 2 basic services done, will, significantly improve the issues or solve the ABS problem. If not, always go with the least expensive fix first. Master cylinder, brake bleed, replace front rotors, front caliper replacement then have the ABS system analyzed from Honda.
