Been getting a random squealing noise. Car is 02 Fabia 1.9 TDI Elegance. It began about three weeks ago and was really, really loud and seems to match the rotational speed of the wheels. More recently noticed it occurs much quieter too. Doesn't seem to be under any particular conditions (turning left vs right, occurs driving straight, not necessarily in-line with revs but not yet checked under braking).

It's now been fully serviced and MOT'd by local indy garage who told me it was the front brake pads getting low. Nothing wrong with the wheel bearings (my first guess). Had the work done but squealing came back.

I'm going to return to garage but meantime can anyone offer ideas? TIA!

Been getting a random squealing noise. Car is 02 Fabia 1.9 TDI Elegance. It began about three weeks ago and was really, really loud and seems to match the rotational speed of the wheels. More recently noticed it occurs much quieter too. Doesn't seem to be under any particular conditions (turning left vs right, occurs driving straight, not necessarily in-line with revs but not yet checked under braking).

It's now been fully serviced and MOT'd by local indy garage who told me it was the front brake pads getting low. Nothing wrong with the wheel bearings (my first guess). Had the work done but squealing came back.

I'm going to return to garage but meantime can anyone offer ideas? TIA!

brake discs rubbing against the backplate?

Jack car up, spin each wheel slowly to find out which one is making the noise! Could be stone trapped between the disc and the splash sheild! Could be contaminated disc. Also new pads do require to "bed-in" and will squeal when brakes applied! But if squeal when brakes not applied, and not a trapped stone, could be brake piston sticking on keeping pads in contact with disc!! This will all show up in above test! Bearing is more a faint whine more so when going around a left or right corner!!

Only times we have heard the squealing so far have been under acceleration or cruise conditions. Once I even jerked the car left then right repeatedly without getting the noise to stop. It happens maybe 1-3 times per week at the moment and I drive to/from work five days a week.

I've had a stone caught in a brake disc before and while very similar I do wonder if this would not have been spotted/fixed during the service/MOT?