Popping noise coming from rear brake drum

2003 FORD FOCUS

175,368 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

MARCELL123

MEMBER
1 POST
FOLLOW

About a week ago i noticed a grinding noise coming from my tire while i was driving. Crazy thing was when i hit the brakes it stopped so i'm sure the brakes aren't the problem. Then, about 2 days ago i drove to store as well as the grinding noise i heard like a popping noise as the tire turned. I was told it could be wheel or hub bearings. I'm no mechanic so i'm not sure but i need to know so i can get it fixed. Someone please help!

Apr 11, 2021 at 5:47 AM

KASEKENNY

CERTIFIED EXPERT
18,907 POSTS

I suspect the grinding noise and the popping noise was the brakes. What happens is when you press the brakes they no longer drag but are fully applied so it dampens this noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/vehicle-grinding-noise

The popping noise most likely was the shoe getting caught on the drum and it popped.

I would suggest removing and at least inspecting the rear brakes.

Here is a guide for this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-shoes-and-drums

Plus below is the process from the manual. Please let us know if you have other questions and what happens when you inspect them. Thanks

Images (Click to enlarge)

Apr 12, 2021 at 3:33 PM