In rain or snow, when I am backing up in reverse, there is often a terrible loud noise. Hard to explain it. Only seems to happen in inclimate weather. Could it be something with the AWD? Sort of sounds like a louder, deeper, brake squeal. Anyone else ever heard this?

 

Most likely is your brakes scraping off some corrosion on the rotors caused by the wet weather. When you hit the brakes does it stop?

 

well, it has really only happened while backing out of the garage, and by then I am normaly swithching to drive by the time the noise quits. When the noise does happen, it is not persistent. I don't know if it is going from the dry garage to the wet pavement or what.

 

I have experienced the same thing with both my X Type & 99 Olds Alero. Happens after I have washed the cars also. I agree with Chris.

 

i also agree with chris, it has to do with the rust on the rotors after you wash the car or the rotors get wet for a period of time. at least, this has been my experience.

 

So is this anything I need to worry about? What does it take to replace rotors? Can they be refurbished?

 

Not really something to worry about, no. Next time you have been driving in the wet, and park in the garage overnight, take a look at the rotors before you move the car and you'll see some gunk on there.

Now, if your rotors are in need of replacement, that is a different animal. Replacing the rotors would not really prevent this sound anyway. If they need replaced due to wear, it is a very easy job. They can be turned if they are still in decent shape and are solid rotors, but as a matter of personal choice I don't turn them, just replace with new when doing a brake change.

 

Hey guys, I have been having the same problem for a couple of months now as well with my 05. It started only with wet weather but now happens all the time whenever the car is being backed up which includes during perfect dry weather, I read on here when searching that it might be the rear bushings?? from other of posts but not 100% sure.. Since it happens to me atleast all the time now could it be that the rotors need to be replaced? Only bringing this up because I think it will get worst for the OP if we cant figure it out.

 

Rear bushings generally have more of a "clunk" sound when going over bumps, although I wouldn't completely rule them out since just about everyone has to replace them eventually.

You may very well need some new rear rotors/pads if yours are warped or excessively worn or corroded. These cars go through rear pads much quicker than what would be expected.

 

I too suffer from that dreadful noise from time to time...

I replaced my rear stock brakes to Akebonos Ultra Premium Ceramic Pads, and the noise went away.... So I thought..

Now it comes back from time to time.. not as bad as it use to be since I changed my brakes but I faintly hear it reversing from my garage in the morning...

I've experienced it in all types of weather... except of snow.. no snow where I'm from.. lol

 

If the noise you are hearing sounds like a "fog horn" then there is a TSB for replacing both rear trailing arm bushings. On the earlier models like 02-04(I believe) the TSB does not apply to them, but does work on them also.
Contact your local dealer for the TSB information/number.
Hope this helps.

myglimk2