About a month ago the engine on the 2003 Ford Mustang GT started making an occasional grinding sound while driving (usually when just started), but before it went into the shop, the sound went away. Now when the car is parked, pressing on the brake makes a horrible grinding sound and the pedal pulsates. Normally this would indicate pads/rotor etc, but the car isn’t moving so I doubt that’s it.
The sound is coming from under the engine block if that helps. A rear caliper and rotors were replaced about 6 mo ago, but the garage is 5 hrs away now so taking it to them is not a solution.
I think it is actually the powersteering system. It was below min and when I filled it, the sound became less. Now it is a buzzing and turning the wheels changes the intensity. After the motor is turned off, there is a faint buzz for a second, then a faint click and the buzzing stops
I can’t see how this could be possible. The steering system is entirely independent from the braking system. It’s like saying my DVD player stops working whenever I flush the toilet.
I’m with Beowolf in this. (And I’m a hard-core Grendel fan, so that’s saying something!)
It sounds like your ABS is engaging intermittently, which is not good. The only thing worse than a car that brakes when it shouldn’t is a car that doesn’t brake when it should.
ETA:
Here’s a horrible thought. Is it possible that you just poured steering fluid into the braking system? If so, have it towed to the shop, don’t keep driving it.
Some systems use power steering pressure to provide power brake assist, some use engine vacuum to provide it. This is independent of whether or not it’s an ABS system.
There is no condition where a grinding noise while the car is parked could have anything to do with either brake pads or rotors. They can only make noise while the car is in motion and the brakes are applied.
You probably have a problem with the power brake booster/pump. Low on fluid. The sound is coming from under the hood of the car, not under the engine, I would think. Is the fluid in the brake resivor full? Is it clear or muddy looking?
Now if you get grinding noises and pulsating pedal feel while under motion, the pads need to be changed and the rotors are warped. Standard brake service will change both pads and rotors.
Check the fluid in the master cylinder for the brakes.
