Front-end clicking....thinking brakes

[wtdash]

Vehicle: '96 Legacy L AWD w/the larger OB/GT dual-piston calipers/pads/rotors on the front.

 

EDIT 11/1/2016: Replaced the front left CV axle (lifetime warranty on NAPA NEW axle), it appears to be fixed. First NAPA axle I've had fail, IIRC.

 

Symptom: Makes a Clicking >>Rattling  noise when 1st starting out each day or after it's been off for a few hours.

 - Gradually gets less as car / brake(s warm up.

    >> Goes away after 5 mins of driving.

    >> Is Less noticeable w/our latest round of hot (for N. ID) 85-90° weather.

 - Rotation-based - faster speed = faster clicking.

 - Seems to be from Driver's side.

 - Does it whether wheels are turned or straight-ahead.

 - It gets less and less the firmer I press the pedal.

 

Notes:

 - Both front axles are NEW (not remfgd) , from our local NAPA auto chain, which I've always had good luck. Axles replaced before I swapped the brakes. And it doesn't sound quite like a bad CV noise.

 - Front tie-rods - inner AND outer, Sway-bars front and rear,   replaced in last year

 - Removed and regreased the caliper slide bolts and it WAS BETTER for about a day. Clue???

 - Widened the gap between the rotor and its brake dust shield.  - No difference

 - Car's brakes seem to work normally. No pulling to one side or the other.

 - Calipers are 'unknown' condition. Extra set I had from 'who knows what' project.

 - Pad and rotors are new when I installed the calipers.

 

Suggestions b4 I have the local shop acce$$ my wallet to diagnose?

 

thanks

 

EDIT: Looking @ the 'rusty ring' around the edge of the brake rotor (disk)....thinking it may be hitting. I will grind it down and see.>>>no change.

Edited November 1, 2016 by wtdash

[porcupine73]

Hm does it change at all if you're applying the brakes at all like lightly --> firmly?

[john in KY]

Just a WAG  but could a caliper be just hitting the inside of a wheel?

[wtdash]

Hm does it change at all if you're applying the brakes at all like lightly --> firmly?

- It gets less and less the firmer I press the pedal. (I forgot this little tidbit in my OP.)

 

Thanks

TD

[wtdash]

Just a WAG  but could a caliper be just hitting the inside of a wheel?

 

I wouldn't think so. I'm running WRX 16" wheels and these calipers original fit under the OB's 15".

 

thanks

Td

[Fairtax4me]

Normally a brake pad rattle will stop as soon as you press the brake pedal.

 

Pull the wheel off and see if you can move the brake pads easily up/down in the caliper bracket with your finger. If you can, the anti-rattle clips need to be replaced.

[1 Lucky Texan]

after which service did it begin?

[wtdash]

after which service did it begin?

Sorry, not sure what you're referring to. But the noise likely started  a few weeks after I did the front brake swap

Thanks

Edited June 30, 2016 by wtdash

[wtdash]

Normally a brake pad rattle will stop as soon as you press the brake pedal.

 

Pull the wheel off and see if you can move the brake pads easily up/down in the caliper bracket with your finger. If you can, the anti-rattle clips need to be replaced.

 

Rattle is a better description...'clicking' is kinda misleading. I'll give this look this weekend. 

 

Related Question, plz: Should the  slots where the -pad 'ears' fit - be greased?

Thanks 

Edited June 30, 2016 by wtdash

[1 Lucky Texan]

I grease those slots - some people have found some aftermarket pads that needed the pad backplate filed/ground a little on those ears - maybe flashing or paint causes them to stick a little. Doesn't seem like oversize ears would lead to a rattle....?

 

whne you pulled the old pads out - were they evenly worn ; inside-to-outside pad, and 'toe-to-heel' on individual pads?

 

just seems like your noise might be something like heat shield now - or unrelated to any recent service like the brakes. maybe check that a CV boot band hasn't come loose? Any chance a sway bay endlink is loose?

Edited June 30, 2016 by 1 Lucky Texan