Brakes Grunt, Groan, Grinding Noise from Rear When Vehicle Comes to a Stop (Refinish Rear Rotors)

This bulletin is being revised to update the correction information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-05-23-004 (Section 05 -- Brakes).

Some customers may comment on a grunt, groan or grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when coming to a stop.

Rotor corrosion generates a slip-stick condition transferring vibration through the suspension.

Tip
Utilize 10 mm bolts in the rotor removal holes to break rotors free, if necessary.

Refinish the rear rotors by removing 0.4 mm (0.01575 in) from both rear rotor surfaces (This is critical).

Important: The brake pads should be reinstalled back in their original location.

Record before and after measurements to confirm at least 0.77 mm (0.30 in) has been removed.

REPLACE THE ROTORS ONLY IF THE ROTOR THICKNESS IS BELOW THE MINIMUM THICKNESS SPEC AFTER REFINISH.

Do not replace the brake pads unless the condition requires it (i.e. excessively worn, damaged, or contaminated). If the brake pads are replaced, the grease pack that is enclosed in the pad kit must be properly applied to both surfaces of the black inner shim for optimum brake system performance. Follow the instructions below. Future pad kits will include this information.

1. Find the grease pack enclosed in the rear brake pad kit.
2. Evenly apply the grease to the inboard surface of the black inner shim for each of the four brake pads. Note that grease will be used to cover each of the outboard black shim surfaces as well (use approximately ½ of the grease for the inner surfaces).
3. Attach the black inner shim to each brake pad using the alignment pins on each brake pad.
4. Evenly apply the grease to the outboard surface of the black inner shim for each of the four brake pad assemblies.
5. Attach the stainless steel outer shim to the rear brake pad/black inner shim assembly.
6. Wipe off any excess grease on the shim edges.
7. Use enclosed abutment shims to replace current abutment shims.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: