Hi I need help trouble shooting a brake problem. I have been hearing a strange sound in the drivers front for a while it sort of sounds like gravel or sand behind a hub cap. This sound would not happen all the time just occasionally. Today the abs light came on as the brakes set up as i was driving. I inspected the brakes and the calipers, rotors and pads all look great. I removed the abs valve fuse and the brakes are released and the sound seems to be gone. I realise I now have power brakes and no ABS. I could not get the tire off the vehicle either. I removed the 5 lug nuts and the tire was just staying on. I struck the top portion and sides of the tire to remove it but it did not budge. Am I missing something? or is it that seized with rust? (alloy rims) It is 15 degrees here and I have a hard time staying out there for any period of time and still being able to feel my fingers. Any help would be appreciated.

Bill

It appears as though this is the ONLY tire that had the brake set up on it, as the drag mark in the snow covered road showed.

 

Sounds like you may have a bad CV joint. To get the wheel off in road salt Country, loosen the lug nuts half way. Then slowly drive around turning the steering wheel to load the susp until you hear it pop and start wobbling.