My 2003 Matrix XRS has about 89K miles on it. Now the front left strut is squeaking when driven over a hump and the front brakes are making a grinding noise and the rotors look silver clean.
The mechanic is saying both front struts are weak and hence they are placing strain on the metal parts which is grinding it, the brake pads have little life in them. The front right strut is not making any noise. I have been given an estimate of US$1200.00 for replacing the 2 front struts, resurface the rotors, replace the rubber parts and new pads.
This would resolve the problem. I am very much doubting the above explanation given by the mechanic, anyone experienced this? Anyone give me a feedback on may be wrong, I do not want replace the struts all together, may be only the pads need to replaced and the metal parts will not grind.
Any feedback will be appreciated? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nahrung034.gif)

Could it be a defective strut plate? Mine already makes some noise as described when backing up, or just plain turning the wheel side to side in park will make the noise-I'm putting up with it til I trade in or just replace the crappy o.e.m struts and springs with quickstruts. Just be sure that you are using original toyota parts.

i would just have the brake job done and live with the struts problem, thats were most of the cost is coming from