Brake Problem?

[boofers]

I have a 1998 Ford Escort SE... Lately i noticed that when i apply the brakes,there is a "Clanking"noise coming from the right front brake. It almost sounds like something is loose. A couple of people have told me it could be a rotor,a few others have said perhaps a caliper. It's only on the right front side. Any suggestions?

[denisond3]

I doubt it could be a loose rotor - since the wheel being bolted on also clamps the rotor in place.
The Caliper bolts to the spindle/hub assembly with a couple of long bolts - if one/both of them is loose the caliper could move around a little, and could rattle or could come in rubbing contact with the inner part of the wheel as it turns. This would be visible if you had the wheel off and looked closely for abrasion marks on its inner diameter.
Other things that can let the brake parts hit the rotating parts would be a bad wheel bearing or a really loose hub nut. This is unlikely, as it would also make noises generally when you drove - aside from using the brakes.

[RaeRae1]

caliper is a possibility. Could be loose. Could also have a loose shoe. I would suggest taking the tire off and inspecting the brake. Might be good to have it up on jack stands so the wheel can move freely. Move/spin the wheel and have someone apply the brake. You should be able to get a better idea of what is moving.

[Scrapper]

could be a pushing out in calaper. may be cv joint going have you looked at the rubber boots on the axle? if you have hubcaps on there might be a simple rock in there. but yes you need to remove wheel and check it out..

[AzTumbleweed]

Bad tie rod end might do that too.

[The_Mechanic_33]

a warped rotor will make a tick or clank. seen it many times also check for cross threded caliper bolts.