Brake noise
I have noticed an intermittent squeal from the front brake pads on my 02-reg Honda Civic 1.7 coupé. It usually only occurs at low speed when the wheel turns left slightly, but more recently has been happening when reversing with any turn of the steering wheel to the right. I have also noticed that the nearside front discs seem only to be scouring the outermost three centimetres. All other discs appear clean after driving.
The car is regularly maintained by my local dealer by fixed price servicing, although I have noticed that they never include a brake service and brake fluid change. It is due its annual service, including a brake fluid change, in three weeks. Should I insist they examine the brake pads as well, as it’s possible the left outside shim may be loose? David L Reid If the brake examination is not already part of the service schedule from your local dealer, I would certainly insist that the road wheels are removed and the brakes examined. The front brake pads on your Honda incorporate a small metal sprung steel indicator device. Instead of a wire and light-type warning device, your Civic relies on the driver hearing the annoying squeal from the sprung steel indicator as it touches the brake disc. As the brake pads wear down, the squeal will become louder and more constant.
From your description, I suspect that the front brake pads have reached this point and are due to be changed. It may be the case that the pads are wearing unevenly and the inner pad has worn more than the outer pad. For this reason, I concur that the brake pads should be examined properly by removing the road wheels.