Hyundai Repair: Noise in my 2004 Hyundai Accent, wheel bearing grease, hyundai accent

Question
I'm getting a squeak/grinding noise when I hit the brakes. The noise is on and off and oscillates with the speed of the car, ie it slows down as the car slows. I think it's coming from the back, but I'm not sure. The front and back brakes were replaced last summer. I just had new tires put on the back and the guy at the tire shop took a look at the brakes while the wheels were off and said they looked fine. The rear brakes were replaced at a shop, and I replaced the front pads and rotors myself.

I'm wondering if there is something else that might be making this noise other than brakes. I don't hear anything when I'm not braking. The car's got 50,000 miles on it. We're taking a road trip in a week and a half and I'd like to get this taken care of (cheaply, if possible)before we go.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Dennis

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Answer
It's a common occurrence that dust accumulates inside the brake drums and then contributes to a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied.  In addition, small movements of the shoes against the backing plate can cause the oscillating type noise you describe.  If you have some high temperature brake grease (not wheel bearing grease), and this is your issue, you may be able to service it yourself.  

Support the rear of the vehicle on jack stands and remove the brake drums.  Rinse of the vehicle's rear brake assembly with a light spray from a garden hose.  Do not blow the dust as it is dangerous to inhale; the water will keep it from becoming airborne.  Similarly, rinse out the drums.  Let everything air dry.  Then, gently pry the each shoe out from the backing plate-- you'll see three contact points for each shoe: one at the top, one in the center, and one at the bottom.  Simply apply a small amount of brake grease in these locations with an acid brush (or similar implement).  Be careful not to get the grease on the friction material itself, and if you do, be sure to thoroughly wipe it off prior to reassembly.  Also add a small amount of grease where the shoes contact the wheel cylinder and the bottom anchor.  Once you've applied grease at these locations (total of 5 for each shoe), and you've verified no grease is present on the friction material, reassemble the car.