Rattling brake caliper
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Pearl Harbor HI
Rattling brake caliper
Hello everyone. I posted a few weeks ago that the pass. side front caliper on my '89 auto coupe always rattle when I+ hit bumps in the street. Today I took the wheel off again for the fourth time and found out that the rattling was happening because the outside pad was loose in the caliper. It wasn't exactly falling out, but loose enough where I could easily shake it up, down, and sideways. Now for the fix. I'm thinking the caliper is probable worn out or I need new pads...any suggestions? Thankx in advance
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 18,226
Likes: 0
From: I live in my own little world
NC Events Coordinator
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
I had that problem once with a set of ill fitting Raybestos pads! Switched'm out for PFCs and MIRACULOUSLY the rattle went away! :rolleyes:
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
Are you sure you have the anti rattle springs in the caliper? Are you sure the guide pins are lubricated and working? Are you sure you don't have a rotor that is not running true. If you do it will kick the pad back. Assuming the steel backing plate is correct for the caliper I can't see changing pads as a long term solution to the rattle problem. :bs :bs :bs
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 0
From: Easton CA
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
Click on this: Anti Rattle Clips
Check to see if the clips are on your brake pads.
Good luck. :seeya
Check to see if the clips are on your brake pads.
Good luck. :seeya
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
Re: Rattling brake caliper (Oly)
I think it is not the clips, but rather the entire caliper on the slider bolts.......mine does it too, but only rattles when you back up and touch the brake........this is normal the caliper is supposed to be a littel lose on the slider bolts.......
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
The rattle can't be from the slider bolts. When the brakes are applied going forward or backwark the slider bolt, even with clearence will move once against the bore of the bracket and will be held in place by the brake torque.
Keep looking. :nopity :nopity :nopity
Keep looking. :nopity :nopity :nopity
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Pearl Harbor HI
Re: Rattling brake caliper (Oly)
the clips are broken off but I can also see where the outside brake bad is shaking inside the caliper itself. I'll replace the clips and see what happens. Thanks for the input everyone...I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
One more comment: The caliper is designed to shift back and forth as the pads wear down. Because the pistons of the caliper are on one side, the caliper must be somewhat loose to take up the slack from both sides as the pads wear down.
I've had these bolts bind. This makes a mess - the inside pad gets worn down and the outside doesn't. So if there is a significant difference in the pad material left on the front brakes from the inside to the outside - take a close look at the bolts. The brake kit from GM includes grease and new seals for the bolts that go through the caliper. Make sure you use them!
I've had these bolts bind. This makes a mess - the inside pad gets worn down and the outside doesn't. So if there is a significant difference in the pad material left on the front brakes from the inside to the outside - take a close look at the bolts. The brake kit from GM includes grease and new seals for the bolts that go through the caliper. Make sure you use them!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: Rattling brake caliper (akisana)
I just fixed mine last night for the same exact thing! Its the anti rattle clips :cheers:
oly I stole your picture to repost for him.
it is a very easy fix. just pull the pin at the bottom of the caliper to release the pads. Tap off the caliper+ pads. Install the clips, look at the ones that still have the clips for orientation. Then reinstall. problem solved. Man did that clanking and jingling drive me nuts!
its about a 15 minute job. But finding the clips is a Bitch. They only come in the OEM pad for 90+ dollars. Fortunately I know the guy pretty well at E&G and he pulled the clips out and gave them to me for free. I searched everywhere at first for them. No-one even our GM dealer said they could get them.
I hope you have better luck than me. I was about to hit all the shops that change brakes to ask them if they had any used ones laying around in their used parts.
Its the problems your having. And I am sure glad mine is fixed. :cheers:
oly I stole your picture to repost for him.
it is a very easy fix. just pull the pin at the bottom of the caliper to release the pads. Tap off the caliper+ pads. Install the clips, look at the ones that still have the clips for orientation. Then reinstall. problem solved. Man did that clanking and jingling drive me nuts!
its about a 15 minute job. But finding the clips is a Bitch. They only come in the OEM pad for 90+ dollars. Fortunately I know the guy pretty well at E&G and he pulled the clips out and gave them to me for free. I searched everywhere at first for them. No-one even our GM dealer said they could get them.
I hope you have better luck than me. I was about to hit all the shops that change brakes to ask them if they had any used ones laying around in their used parts.
Its the problems your having. And I am sure glad mine is fixed. :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,128
Likes: 0
From: Oakland CA
St. Jude Donor '03
Re: Rattling brake caliper (Oly)
:cool: I'm going to have to look into this. I have an annoying rattle coming from the drivers side rear and it started just after I replaced the pads.
