Clunking noise coming from brake pads

[olopezm]

Hi guys, I hope you're all well!

I've been noticing this rattling sound when going over bumps, which doesn't seems to go away!. I know it's a problem with the brake pads because it goes away as soon as I depress the brake pedal.

So I decided to take another look at each wheel.

- Brake pads are relatively new and properly installed.
- Wheels have anti-rattle clips properly installed.
- Bolts were properly tightened with a torque wrench by me.
- Slide pins are lubricated.

During my visual inspection I saw the rear wheel calipers are a bit loose and that should be making the noise. I would describe it as up and down play with respect to the rear rotors or the ground.

I don't know what would cause that since each bolt is tight. I don't know if low brake fluid could cause that, no lights are lit on the dashboard but will take a look at the reservoir.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Oscar.

[aleekat]

Stepping on the brakes changes the suspension geometry. My guess ball joints.

[olopezm]

Thanks aleekat,

balljoints are still tight, even when they have 93500 miles on them.

I guess I should have said "slightly stepping on the brake pedal"

Oscar.

[MARZBX157]

Hello,

Ive been having the same problem with my van which also goes away when pressing the brake pedal. When looking around the Caliper i noticed that the pads were in stalled backwards (outer pads on inside/ inner pads on outsite) by the mechanic . There are two raised areas on the back of the pads that is supposed to be mated with the two pistons on the caliper, on my vehicle it was place outbord on the caliper. So far everything works fine except when I hit a bump, but I will be correcting this mistake soon myself with a few other maintanenece items. Good Luck.

[olopezm]

Hi MARZBX157,

Thanks you for your input!

I know what you're talking about, when I installed the front brake pads, I made sure they were in the right direction, so that shouldn't be what's causing the noise. The rears can be installed only in one way and are tight.

As I said before the calipers seem to move up and down a bit, but I don't know what's causing it. I checked the brake fluid level and was a bit low but didn't help.

Oscar.

[olopezm]

A quick update.

After topping the brake fluid and driving a little, and topping again the brake fluid, the noise has improved. It's no longer constant, but only when going on bumpy roads and at a moderate speed. Front wheels are no longer making any noise; the remaining comes from the rear wheels.

Any other ideas? Anything else I should pay more attention to? Thanks in advance.

Oscar.

[65val]

I'm having the identical problem...I just replaced the front pads and will see tomorrow on my way to work if its fixed. I did notice while replacing the pads, that the pins, top and bottom, are kinda loose even after lubing them good, and the caliper rocks a bit in the bracket. If mine isn't fixed, I'll be investigating new pins.

[65val]

UPDATE: I had to go out this afternoon, so took the opportunity to check out the rattling. It's not fixed...still rattles/clunks going over bumps in the road. The calipers rock a fair bit on the pins (compared to other vehicles I've owned)...seems like a crappy design. Anyone else have the same problem? How'd you fix it, if you did fix it?

Thanks.

[scubacat]

Does the rattle or clunk stop when you gently press the brake pedal?

[65val]

Originally Posted by scubacat

Does the rattle or clunk stop when you gently press the brake pedal?

Yes it does. All quiet when you just slightly press the brake pedal, so I think this rules out other things, such as ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar rods.

[scubacat]

Ok, so definitely brakes then. It's got to be something somewhere. I doubt a little bit of caliper movement like you described is the issue. I guess it could be, but let's rule everything else out first.

• Did you replace the metal anti-rattle clips? Are they in the correct configuration? There's a different one for the top vs. the bottom on both the front and back.
• Did the pads fit securely in the anti-rattle clips? In other words, is there any loose horizontal play in them (besides being able to move backwards without the caliper attached)?
• Do the pads have their backing plates attached properly?

[65val]

Originally Posted by scubacat

Ok, so definitely brakes then. It's got to be something somewhere. I doubt a little bit of caliper movement like you described is the issue. I guess it could be, but let's rule everything else out first.

• Did you replace the metal anti-rattle clips? Are they in the correct configuration? There's a different one for the top vs. the bottom on both the front and back.

Yes. I replaced them exactly as the old ones came out.

• Did the pads fit securely in the anti-rattle clips? In other words, is there any loose horizontal play in them (besides being able to move backwards without the caliper attached)?

Yes. I don't think it's the pads that are clunking/rattling.

• Do the pads have their backing plates attached properly?

Yes
The pins do not fit tightly in the bores they belong in. The top pin has a rubber sleeve on it about 1/2 way down the pin's length. The bottom pins don't have this sleeve. Even with lots of lube on them, the pins don't fit snugly. Glueing the shoes in didn't help either, as the old pads were glued, and it still rattled.

[scubacat]

I've never heard of a caliper feeling loose like that. I'd bet they're the wrong size pins before the caliper is actually worn or something like that. Does the rotor sit completely flat against the wheel hub? If not, that could cause a bit of wobble as well.

[scubacat]

Did a shop ever replace the rear pads in the past? Perhaps the pins were corroded and they replaced them with the wrong size. Just a thought.

According to rockauto.com, it's Dorman part # HW5066. Might be worth a shot for 5 bucks...




DORMAN Part # HW5066
Rear
$5.25
DORMAN Part # HW14154
Front
$5.68

[scubacat]

You know... just looking at that image.... it looks like there's actually a metal sleeve that the pins go through. Are you missing that sleeve, perhaps?? That would certainly cause looseness and clunking!

EDIT: Sorry, you said front calipers. Those sleeves are for the rear calipers (which most of us don't have.)