[bcorg]

Have a 2011 Smart with 92,000 miles. All original except tires, air filter, coils and plugs. Just started making a strange noise when the brakes are applied at lower speeds. Sounds like the horn, only not as loud. I disconnected the horn as an experiment but it still does it. It is not a continuous or consistent noise either. Just happens a few times per commute and at lower speeds. I can tap the brakes and it usually stops. Braking ability has not suffered. Any idea where I should start looking? :shrug:
Thanks, Brett

 

[jwight]

Your brake pads have finally worn out.....noise is from the wear indicators mounted on the pads. Time for new pads and rotors.

 

[bcorg]

Cool!!! I can handle that. Thanks!!!

 

[sokoloff]

Rotors need to be replaced when they are below spec and/or are warped, etc. They don't need to necessarily be replaced every the pads are changed. If yours are original at 92K, I'd say they are due, but it's pretty unlikely that they made it to 92K without at least one change in the past.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 16,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 7,500 miles

 

[bcorg]

No, they are the originals. I bought the car brand new off the showroom floor in early 2011. The car is pretty much just a daily commuter for work. 30 miles each way with a little city driving at each end of the commute. I'll change out rotors and pads.

Thanks, Brett

 

[twcom]

Is this the same car that gave you codes and engine concerns. Were new ignition coils and plugs the fix for those issues. Did you ever find a chip for it. While you are underneath your Smart, have every bushing and pivot points on that chassis lubed up with silicone spray lube and it will fell as good or better then when you first took it home.

 

[albertlastsmart]

Changing brake pads,and drum shoes??...............

With all the miles,you may want to check condition of rear drum/shoes. I HIGHLY recommend usiing ceramic pads on the
front. Eliminates all brake dust probles. I clean/detail my wheels once per year. The ceramic pads are also long wearing. I
installed mine 4 years ago. At my 6year service,was told I have 70percent left on front pads................

 

[bcorg]

Yes, this is the same car I was getting codes on. I changed the coils and plugs but still got miss fire codes. They needed changing anyway. I was scheduled to take it to MBI in Portland but they were very helpful and said with the high miles on the car I should do a compression check before I brought it in. Said I may have low compression because of the high miles, causing the miss fire codes. I did a check and found that cylinder #2 was about 25% lower than the other cylinders. I figured that the engine was going to take some major work. As a last ditch method I tried a can of Engine Restore in the oil. After about 2 weeks the engine light went off and the car is running smoother and my gas milage went back up to what it was. I've probably gone 2,500 mile or more with no problems. I know this is a cheap and temporary fix but if I can have the car pass emission tests next spring and get tags for another cycle I'm hoping this little commuter car will get me to retirement in a few years. Thanks for all the help folks!!
Brett

 

[jimvw57]

your 'fix' is pretty common. There are a number of owners that use Marvel Mystery Oil every so often to keep the top end lubricated and even out the compression. I suspect it is a ring sticking thing, or maybe a valve thing, I don't know, but I know it works. Worth picking up a bottle and adding a few oz per tank fill say every 4 or 5 fills.

And replace the brake pads with ceramic pads to help minimize that black dust from the brakes. Much easier to clean off the rims.

 

[bfrye1988]

So with the Marvel Mystery Oil, is it better to add it to the engine oil or is it better to add it to the gas tank?

 

[twcom]

Good to hear you still have your Smart rolling along.

 

[twcom]

your 'fix' is pretty common. There are a number of owners that use Marvel Mystery Oil every so often to keep the top end lubricated and even out the compression. I suspect it is a ring sticking thing, or maybe a valve thing, I don't know, but I know it works. Worth picking up a bottle and adding a few oz per tank fill say every 4 or 5 fills.

And replace the brake pads with ceramic pads to help minimize that black dust from the brakes. Much easier to clean off the rims.

Marvel Mystery Oil ☺. The tried and tested. The more things change the more they stay the same. Excellent!

 

[sher.lurker2]

Have a 2011 Smart with 92,000 miles. All original except tires, air filter, coils and plugs. Just started making a strange noise when the brakes are applied at lower speeds. Sounds like the horn, only not as loud. I disconnected the horn as an experiment but it still does it. It is not a continuous or consistent noise either. Just happens a few times per commute and at lower speeds. I can tap the brakes and it usually stops. Braking ability has not suffered. Any idea where I should start looking? 🤷
Thanks, Brett

I know this is an OLD posting BUT... QUESTION: ???
Does is make the sound while turning and slowing down ? Kindof like turning into a driveway.

I had a KIA soul, Toyota Yaris(sedan) and KIA spectre (HATCHBACK) and they all would make
a hellish sound while doing a slow down turn. Only on the Yaris a braking light would appear temp.

Inspected rotors and pads. not the problem.

The speed I was slowing down from 15 to 2-3 mph in about 8-10 seconds.

It always occurred while braking into my driveway- from both ways.

never been able to figure out what it is(I still own the Yaris).

HOWEVER... If I come to a complete stop and then turn into driveway no noise. BUT THEN again
I dont use the brakes while doing the later.

If anyone has a similar issue please reply to this post.

thanks

 

[eugene87]

Perhaps the brake pads are worn, you should replace them.

 

[sokoloff]

Certainly replace the pads if they are below the minimum spec which is 2mm, but I sure wouldn't just start throwing parts at the problem. That could get very expensive.

Len

 

[vadsoom]

If you hear the sound only when turning the steering wheel, definitely have a look at the wheel bearings.

 

[smark]

The Brake pads are down to the wear sensors. If it were the front bearings wheels, you’d hear a noise all the time driving.

 

[vadsoom]

I’ve had several cars I serviced with worn bearings that were relatively quiet except when cornering. I’ve also seen them make noise when applying the brakes or vise versa. It’s a simple check and worth ruling out as a source of the noise.

 

[SMARTKAR]

Check brakes first

 

[smark]

Ditto, brakes first.

Here are the signs, or a failing front wheel bearing…..
Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable
and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. ...
Squealing, Growling. ...
Clicking Sound. ...
Wheel Wobble. ...
ABS Failure. ...
Uneven Tire Wear. ...
Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
Steering Wheel Vibration.
Snapping, clicking or popping. ...
Grinding when the vehicle is in motion. ...
Knocking or clunking. ...
Humming, rumbling or growling. ...
Wheel vibration and/or wobble. ...
Shudder, shimmy or vibration at a constant speed.

I replace my share, working at the dealerships.