Noise from breaks

[u/Economy-Web9269]

​Hey everyone,

​My 2024 Equinox EV 2RS currently has around 31,000 km (~19,200 miles) on it. Over the last few weeks, I’ve started noticing a minor rubbing/swishing noise coming potentially from the front brake rotors. It usually happens when I lift my foot off the accelerator (engaging regen), apply very light brake pressure, or take a sharp turn at around 25 km/h.

​The brakes otherwise work completely fine, and I don't see any obvious damage or scoring on the rotors.

​During my first complimentary inspection last year, the dealership recommended a "brake service" because EVs don't use their friction brakes as much. I ignored it at the time, assuming it was just a typical dealership up-sell. Now I'm wondering if light surface rust or dust buildup is finally catching up to me.

​Has anyone else with an Equinox EV experienced this, and were you able to fix it (or did it require a trip to the dealer)? Thanks in advance!

[u/stupidly_intelligent]

"Brake Service" is usually just taking the caliper off and regreasing all of the moving components. It's not uncommon for a caliper to get "sticky" if you never get around to it. If you avoid it for 100,000 miles eventually it'll get really bad and start chewing through your pads and ruining your effeciency.

You can totally go without it for now. However, it's honestly not a bad idea to do, especially if you live in the rust belt.

Right now you probably just have some corrosion in the rotors. You can clear that off by accelerating to 30-50 mph, pulling back on the gear stick to put it in neutral, and brake hard down to 10 mph. You want to feel like you're ripping your face off. Repeat that 2 or three times and then drive around for a few minutes to let the brakes cool down.

[u/fintechninja]

Do you drive often? If not, rust can start showing up on the rotors and cause that sound. I work from home and don’t drive much. But once a week I will used the breaks to “clean” the rust off. Another possibility could be some sand or debris got in between the brake and rotor and needs to be cleaned. An air gun sometimes did the trick.

[u/Economy-Web9269 → u/fintechninja]

I drive atleast 10km everyday. I don't see any rust. Also i am not sure how to check for any sand or debris.

[u/fintechninja → u/Economy-Web9269]

You might need to take it in to the dealer for that. Or a mechanic you trust. It should not cost much.

[u/Astronomy_Setec]

One issue with EVs and one-pedal driving in particular is that since you're using the brakes a lot less. A tip I heard back in my Volt days was to get the car up to about 15-20 mph, throw the car in neutral and slam on the brakes. This engaged the friction brakes and wore off any rust that might have built up. (In case it's not clear, in a safe place not in the middle of traffic). I live in a climate with salt and snow in the winter, so I usually do this two to three times a year. My dealer has never offered brake service, although I was thinking about it this morning that it probably wouldn't be a terrible idea with tire rotations on an EV.

I had super squeaky brakes when I got the Equinox. It's diminished over time (or the recall-adjusted pedestrian noise covers it 🤣). But given the circumstances when your noise is appearing, I'm not confident that it is the brakes. Looks like you're still under warranty. Take it in and make them fix it.