[GT4604]

I wasn't exactly sure which section to put this in hopefully I can put it here. I have an 04 STi and recently I've been getting a strange sound which I can best describe as putting a large flat plate of plastic suddenly against the ground while I'm rolling. Sort of like a crunchy grindy sound coming distinctly from the rear. I'm pretty sure there is a slight drag too, but I keep wondering if I'm just imagining it.

It happens only occasionally and only when I'm coming to a complete stop, with brakes and without. It seems to have a tendency to happen more often coming off the highway, but then it has happened pulling out of my driveway as well.

Another thing I'm worry about is if it happens while I'm driving but just can't hear it because of all the road noise and catless 4" downpipe and turbo xs catback. But it is definitely intermittent and I'm pretty sure it's only when rolling to a stop.

I do have Tein-S(hitty) springs that came on the car if that might have any relevance, and I hit 70,000 miles just today.

Does anybody have a clue ? I absolutely hate shops in my area and haven't found one I trusted with anything more than my crappy bronco.

[fourseasonsandles]

Did you check your brakes? You may be down to the squealers and time to swap the pads out.

[GT4604]

That was the first thing I thought but so many things contradicted that in my mind I figured I would post here first before I jacked it up tomorrow. All I know about the squealers is that you had to be on the brakes to hear it and it would squeal all the time when you were on them. That said I don't actually know if thats true nor have I ever let any brakes I've had go that far before to have heard it. But this grind happens when I'm completely off my brakes rolling to a stop, it is very sudden and immediate when it starts but does taper down when it stops, and its just a very non-squeal like sound its confusing (and uncomfortable).

It's the first thing I will check but I'm nearly positive it's going to be something weird.

[boondocksaint]

Could be anything from loose lugs to a bad bearing. Before you take the wheel off and after you've jacked it up, see if the wheel will move at all (and I do not mean rotate). Let us know what you find once you have everything up/off.

[fourseasonsandles]

You can actually hear the squealers without being on the brakes and then you cant hear them once you do brake. You could also check for bad bearings like boony had mentioned. You want to jack your car up and try and wobble the wheel. If it moves, "wobbles," your bearings may be shot. Good luck!

[salisburyv]

at 70k I'd say it was the brake pads. Start lookin at after market pads. Install is really simple too, so you could do it yourself.

[GT4604]

Oh I hope it's pads now.

How can I check if its the bearings?

[snorky]

grab the tire and try to shake it laterally with all your might. it will move if the bearings are really bad.

[jermdeez]

NOPEE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

you got strut clunk my man.............open ur trunk, and then push down on it as hard as you can (make suspension lower etc.. like you were jumping in and out of the trunk)......you'll probably hear the pop.

had same problem with my 05 didn't think it was just the strut clunk and was paranoid it was another issue, it was the strut clunk.
Funny my 97 l's struts are completely blown, it's doing the same thing now......

when you come up to a stop it almost feels like you hit a bump sometimes or the wheel drops, and it is dragging slightly. it will make a pop but also a ..........weird ass wooowoooowoooooooo sound that seems to be related to the brakes but its not.