First off the noise....It would be best described as an aluminum bat dragging the pavment. It came out of nowhere or at least got louder very quickly. The noise does speed up as I accel, and it makes or turns into a crunching noise when braking. It seems to be coming from the passenger side and possible the rear. I thought maybe a rock...so I swung by a power washer car wash station and see if that and shaking the brake cover would loosen something, but it didnt.

Second, I have 86,000 on her now, and from what I know they are still stock brakes!!! So if this does trace to a brake issue I will just replace the pads at all four corners. The fronts just about a week ago max starting making a noise telling me they want out. It has been just too hot here for me to get out and do it 100 heat index plus HUMIDITY! So this makes me wonder out of a 10 scale (10 being hardest) how difficult are the brakes on a VX. I only ask as this will be my first venture, I am sure it is easy I just want to make sure there is not something out there that I need to know. Plus would you suggest anything else other than the stockers? I love them but upfront they are so expensive.

Third, I know I could have maybe used the search function on this. But sometimes i like to post a new one, since we are forever growing here and gaining more and more knowledge....Plus I need to mention I just snuck and typed this as this is my 2yr anniversary with the wife.

Thanks for any help in advance..