Shakey Front Calipers
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon MO
Shakey Front Calipers
I recently had my front rotors and brakes pads changed on my 94. I have noticed a chatter ,clattering noise while driving. I also noticed I can feel the pads hit the rotors when I press the brakes. So i checked to see if the bolts were loose the big ones that mount the caliper and nope there tight, but i noticed i could still shake the actual caliper with the pads about a 1/8-1/4 in. is this normal? also noticed grooving in my rotors already (2weeks) new. And no I didnt change them, didnt have the time or tools yet. Am planning on taking back to shop it was done at. Heres the kicker took it to Chevy dealership first they said no brake problem, said it was flat spots on my tires. Did have a cracked rotor reason for change in the first place.)
Last edited by Meds94; Jun 25, 2010 at 10:38 PM. Reason: miss spell
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
It sounds like the shop neglected to install anit-rattle pads or compound behind the new calipers.
If my new brake pads do not come with such an insulator pad I coat the rear of the brake pads with an anti-rattle compound, available at my local parts store.
If my new brake pads do not come with such an insulator pad I coat the rear of the brake pads with an anti-rattle compound, available at my local parts store.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
You can move it 1/8-1/4"? That is a *lot* of movement. The pads and caliper should not knock back that much at all. Do the rotors have a ton of run-out? Try rotating the rotor and see if it moves from one side of the caliper to the other as it rotates, if it has that much run-out you can probably see it visually.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Like mentioned above, they forgot the anti rattle clips.The clips hold the pads solid in the calipers so they don't move around. Been there done that....
..WW
..WW
Last edited by WW7; Jun 26, 2010 at 08:41 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The front calipers are held in place by a single bolt and a pin. The pin can wear over the years and there is a small C-clip that holds the pin in place. You can move the caliper up and down somewhat if the pin is worn. Could also be that the pads were not fully seated in the retaining holes on the pistons and the outside of the caliper bracket.
Anti-rattle clips are also needed as mentioned. Most aftermarket pads (non-GM) don't come with these clips. Anti-rattle clips, bolt and guide pin boot, and the pin w/ C-clip are usually included with a mounting kit. Some shops don't use a new mounting kit, they just use the old stuff and typically don't install new anti-rattle clips.
Grooving in new rotors with loose pads can result from road debris like tiny pebbles being caught between the pad and rotor face. If it isn't too deep, don't worry about it.
Anti-rattle clips are also needed as mentioned. Most aftermarket pads (non-GM) don't come with these clips. Anti-rattle clips, bolt and guide pin boot, and the pin w/ C-clip are usually included with a mounting kit. Some shops don't use a new mounting kit, they just use the old stuff and typically don't install new anti-rattle clips.
Grooving in new rotors with loose pads can result from road debris like tiny pebbles being caught between the pad and rotor face. If it isn't too deep, don't worry about it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Me too......I didn't know that clip slipped up through that hole.....So I left them......but only for a week......The clacking sound was too much to live with...
