Screeching Sound while driving

[Kcajseivad]

Hi guys,

I have a 2010 Vauxhall Astra J.

When driving home from work tonight I noticed a horrendous screeching sound coming from my car. I cannot pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from as the screeching sound only happens when the car is moving.

There is no rhyme or reason to it and the sound is extremely intermittent I.e. the sound does not happen only when I am braking or only when I am accelerating.

On my last MOT I was told that my wear brake pads were near to needing replacing but would be ok until the next MOT. So part of my thinks it could be that but then surely the screeching sound would only happen when I am braking, right?

Do you guys have any idea what it could be? And if so could the problem be fixed myself? Hoping it is not something too complex.

Thanks guys.

[sunbeam alpine]

First check the passenger seat. If that's empty, I'd check the brakes as advised.

[Thats What She Said]

Check there are no small children under your car.

If not, then could be brake pads/wheel bearing/flux capacitor.

[Kcajseivad]

She was at work at the time

Thanks guys

[E-bmw]

If it comes/goes when you accelerate/turn lights off/on it could be your alternator drive belt needing tightening/replacing.

[Kcajseivad]

I did think about giving the belt a tighten actually, thank you for your help

[mygoldfishbowl]

Astras may have metal strips joined to the brake pads that rub on the disc and screech to warn you the pads are getting low. check your pads.

[finishing touch]

Stone trapped between the disc and disc shield cover ?