Very peculiar sound...

I have a 1997 Nissan 200sx SE. When I am just coming to a gradual stop, maybe last 10 yards before a stop light travelling approx 40mph, there is a clacking noise "clack clack clack, clack, clack; clack; clack". I have checked out my brakes and they are quite full, front and back. But here's the big mystery: when I use my E-brake to come to a complete stop... THERE IS NO CLACK. I am completely stupified as to what may be the sound and what I can do to fix it, any suggestion would be great.

Thnx

What do you mean by "the brakes are full, front and back"? And are you sur ethat the noise isn't just he ABS engaging? When I drove this Cavalier at my driving school when I got my license, it was the first time I had driven a car with ABS and it make this clacking noise and the pedal started to vibrate, scrae the hell outta me.

it might be your front calipers are warped from excessive heat or wear, and need replacing. if it is, its not a clacking sound really but does make a vibration, but if it doesnt make a vibration at all, its probably your abs. if its a real loud clacking, your fucked. run away from your car as fast as you can, and ditch that shit.

I am pretty sure that the 1997 200sx SE does not have antilock brake system

What do you mean by "the brakes are full, front and back"? And are you sur ethat the noise isn't just he ABS engaging? When I drove this Cavalier at my driving school when I got my license, it was the first time I had driven a car with ABS and it make this clacking noise and the pedal started to vibrate, scrae the hell outta me.

Brakes are full as in they don't need to be replaced for awhile, they are in good shape. Is caliper hard to replace?

no... it just comes off with like 2 bolts, and the brake line.. then you put the new one on, and bleed it... if that's what your'e going to do.

I wouldnt replace the calipers. I would replace the rotors if you are going to do anything? I mean it sounds like you have a nasty warp.

You don't know if your car has ABS? And I'm pretty sure the top of the line 97 model has ABS. Also, if by "they are full" you meant the fluid is topped off, then that has nothing to do with the fact that the brakes don't need to be changed for a while.

I wouldnt replace the calipers. I would replace the rotors if you are going to do anything? I mean it sounds like you have a nasty warp.
It is not the top line, the 200sx se-r is top, I got the car at an auction and I have found out that the ABS is an optional add-on (like sunroof, auto tran, etc.). I also read something about a 'anti-rattle' bracket that can get brittle and break after awhile, at which time in needs be replaced. Know anything about that?

Ooohhh, wait a minute, we are all off here, you aren't even in the right forum! lol, I thought you had said 240SX, but you said 200SX, a 1997, as in a FWD car, I dunno if you realized that after the 200SX in the forum name there's RWD as in rear wheel drive, as in not your car. The 200SX that is talked about in here is either the EDM 200SX or the S12 (80's 200SX). But anyways, maybe you can still get an answer here.