Hi all first time posting.

I have a 2008 Chevy Express Cargo Van with V6 4.3L with 110K miles.

There's a grinding noise coming from the front brakes which is similar of the pad wear sensors grinding on the disc's, however this is not the case.

The grinding starts as the vehicle rolls to a stop. Approx. 5 mph to a dead stop. It does not occur at higher speeds or when the stop is hard / abrupt.

It has occurred with two types of brake pads installed. The first OEM semi metallic with 50% pad left. The second set is ceramic. The rotors are in perfect condition with no lines or groves.

The vehicle stops straight with no pull or pulsation.
One thing to mention is that I have noticed the headlights dim slightly when the grinding occurs.

Thanks

 

Wheel bearings? How long since you looked at them or repacked them?

 

Headlights dim?? Are you 100% sure its the brakes? Could be the alternator or pulley acting up when the rpms drop.(bearing grinding in the alternator)


Have the rear brakes been checked. Parking brake not dragging?

 

I'm having this exact problem on the same exact van, and it's definitely the pad grinding/dragging on the rotor when less brake pressure is needed. Was there ever any resolution?
New pads, rotors and they've been bled.

Could a tired alternator cause the system to lose pressure?

 

You should start your own thread.....
However since this OP never posted his fix....we don't know what he did.

In my opinion, it could be the pads are worn, or there is extra metallic in the linings. Ceramic pads seem to be coming in to replace semi metallic. Try a set of those, and make sure you use the anti vibration grease on the contact points on the pads....
As for his lights dimming, that could be a coincidence with his engine slowing down to idle as he slows to a stop.....

 

This is an odd issue with the ABS system. Check the ABS grounding wire at the front hubs, the connections easily corrode and lose contact to ground. If the connections are okay, then the ABS counter ring inside one of the wheel hubs is the next step. If this is the case you'll need to replace the hub(s), new hubs online run $35 to $65 each. You can also perform a little test to verify its with the ABS or something else, but the test isn't 100% accurate in my opinion. Remove the ABS fuse which will put the braking system into a default fail safe mode and see if the issue is still present or not.