Brake noise

[Redwolf]

Hi...I'm new here. I recently became the happy owner of a 1998 LTC "Signature Series." I'm really thrilled with it...it's a one-owner car that has been well-maintained, and only has 94K on the odo. We love taking long road trips, and this car is going to be just perfect, I think, for cruising down the highway.

I have a question regarding brake noise. I hear a humming noise coming from my brakes when I have to brake going down a relatively steep hill at about 30-35 miles per hour. It's quite distinctive. It typically doesn't happen on the flat, even under hard, "panic stop" conditions (something I practice whenever I get a new car) unless I'm having to brake fairly firmly at freeway speeds. It also doesn't happen when I'm going down a steep hill slowly.

My owner's manual says "some brake noise and pulsation is normal," and not to worry unless I hear a "persistant, grating, metal-on-metal sound." I've become quite familiar with the "metal-on-metal" sound, as my other car is a 1999 Sable that eats brakes for breakfast, and this is definitely a different sound...more a hum that grows progressively louder until the brakes are fully engaged. However, the Sable, like the Lincoln, has antilocks, and they don't hum like this.

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I be concerned? I know the car had a brake job just last summer (the receipt doesn't specify front or rear, however, and my in-laws, who are the car's previous owners, can't remember which were worked on). It's not due for another brake inspection until its 96K service.

I must say that, other than this minor (I hope!) worry, I'm really thrilled with the car! I've been in love with big American "road cars" since I bought a '69 Pontiac Catalina back in the '80s, and the features on this LTC really make it a standout!

Many thanks,

Redwolf

 

[bigdog1279]

Welcome to LVC
you might just need to clean your breaks or it might be time to change your pads man

 

[TriumphGT6]

I had very slight brake noise because I had semi-metallic pads (regular pads), and I changed the pads out to Ceramic pads for the front and back, had the rotors turned and replaced 2 calipers that liked to stick (almost hit someone because it stuck and I went into their lane) and after $40 a set for the front and back pads, $7.50 a rotor to be turned, and $30 a piece for brand new calipers (friend's dad works at a ford dealer) I have had braking comparable to the Brembo's (custom job, not spec) my dad installed on my Triumph.

So if I were you I'd buy the $80 worth of pads, and get a rotor turning all the way around and you'll have a trouble-free and absolutely noise-free braking system for a long time.

Good Parts go a long way, and isn't a Lincoln worth it?

Good Luck, and whatever you do, may it work right the first time!

 

[Mark9]

Same experience as TriumphGT6..except I prefer to replace the rotors if there is any sign of scoring rather than have them turned - new ones are not all that expense (typically $27-33 each) and it buys you longer brake life. A lot of auto parts shops will no longer turn brake rotors because of the insurance liability issues.

Ceramic pads by all means!!! Most Ceramic pads are very quiet, provide more reliable stopping because the ceramics can stand repeated braking with little or no fade, and are virtually dust free. You pay a bit more, but they'll also last a lot longer thereby offsetting the added cost.