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Intermittent rumbling/grinding/pulsing noise persists even from new front brakes S70 1998

First about the sound: the rumbling/grinding/pulsing noise from the front brakes sounds like when you drive over those stop-light or stop-sign warning bumps. It is intermittent. I can go a few days without the brakes making this sound. I've also noticed that sometimes, it seems to make this sound when I am pressing on the brakes only half way, not fully depressed. Other times the sound will start half-way through the pressing of the brakes and will continue until the brakes are fully depressed.

I had my 60,000 mile service in April and was told there was still 30% on my front brakes. I had no brake work done. A couple of weeks after, the front brakes began making this sound, intermittently. I brought my car into the dealer (and the guy treated me like I was some kind of car hypocondriac), and was sheepishly told once they saw there was a problem, that because of rust erosion on the rotor, a rubber piece had moved causing something or other. (Sorry, I don't know all the specific terms and parts). Well, the whole front brake system/assembly needed to be replaced (rotors, calipers, discs and pads), which I had them do that day.

A few days afterwards, the sound came back, went away for several days, now has returned. It is still intermittent. What is this sound? Do I need to bring my car in again to be serviced at $105 an hour for labor, after having paid $1,000 for a whole new front break system? Is there a warranty on the brake system parts? Please help.








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    Intermittent rumbling/grinding/pulsing noise persists even from new front brakes S70 1998

    Just wanted to add that this noise has only occurred at low, city driving speeds. The sustained noise from midway to fully depressing the brake pedal seems, now to think of it, occurs when travelling a bit faster, around 40-45 mph.

    Another note, my car is front wheel drive not AWD, if that should matter.








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      Intermittent rumbling/grinding/pulsing noise persists even from new front brakes S70 1998

      I suspect it is ABS modulation especially since your S70 is a '98. The fact that doing the brake work did not cure the problem supports the theory. When ABS is activated, it makes the same type of sounds you describe. Further, having the sustained noise occur when braking at a higher speed would happen as the brakes are being required to act under greater pressure for a longer period of time. The '98s have had their share of ABS problems...whether it is the sensors or the controller is anyone's guess. You may want to search the archives for more info.








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    Intermittent rumbling/grinding/pulsing noise persists even from new front brakes S70 1998

    When I test drove the S70 I bought last month, it had a similar sound. Before I bought it, the front brakes and rotors were replaced and still had the sound, not as bad, then back brakes and rotors relplaced, no sound. Mystery to me. Explanation made no sense. My girlfriend still wanted the car, hope I don't regret it...







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