brakes on a 2001 Malibu

I have a 2004 Malibu (Classic) that is squeaking on the left side when braking. I took it in as a warranty item earlier this year, but the dealership put new pads and rotors on and slapped me in the face with a $200 bill (after I told them not to fix it).

I have a few things to investigate the next time I can wrangle the car from my wife. These were suggestions posted on another Malibu website. The caliper hardware is one idea, that being the piston that is making the creaking sound when it moves for whatever reason, and another is making sure the hardware is bolted down as tight as it is supposed to be. I was planning on just buying the calipers, but after finding out it will be about $140 for the pair, I am going to try to exhaust other options first.

Seeing how this car was an Enterprise car in it's former life, I'm not surprised it is having brake problems. Sometimes when you let brake pads wear too low, the pistons in the calipers will either seize up or become damaged from traveling too far out of the caliper and allowing dirt or whatever to get in its space.

Once I have a chance to look and hopefully fix the problem, I will come back and post here.
 >> Stay informed about: brakes on a 2001 Malibu 

My brakes squeek when i stop and turn too. I have 37288 miles and i had the
car checked and GM/Cheverolet puts CHEAP Brake Pad on these cars.
Get better brake pad. I did.

"Cheryl2005" wrote in message

>I just had my brakes done about a year ago and now when I step on my brakes
> and make a left turn the brakes squeak, when I turn right they do not
> squeak. Can anyone help me with this problem???
>
 >> Stay informed about: brakes on a 2001 Malibu 

Okay, I think my brake problem is unrelated to what you guys are describing here.

It is possible that your problems are coming from the strut(s). Specifically the strut spring seat. I got a hold of Technical Service Bulletins and this issue is addressed in May of 2005. The creaking or squeaking is described as noticable during left or right turns, and just using common sense I would say during braking (putting a downward pressure on the strut) although the TSB did not mention braking.

The seat needs to be replaced as well as a deflector ring to eliminate the contact being made between the strut mount and spring.

My problem is a brake piston that needs to be lubed or replaced, and only makes this noise while applying brake pressure at low speeds or while stopped.
 >> Stay informed about: brakes on a 2001 Malibu