Disc brake anti-rattle clips...?

FarmTruk · 04-15-2009, 10:44 PM

Hey everybody. I mostly lurk here, but this is great forum, and has been very useful to me over the past couple of years.

I recently did a front brake job on my '94 XLT 4x4. I now have noticed a slight metallic "ping/clang" noise and am fairly certain it's because I did not put AR clips on the inside pads. The noise disappears whenever I touch the brake pedal. Best way to describe this noise is it's as if you were tapping on the disc with a hammer.

I've searched google, this forum, and Glacier's EXCELLENT tutorial on 1st gen brakes, but have not seen any pic that shows this clip and/or where/how it's installed on the inner pad, at least specific to the 1st gen Explorer's pad.

I DID purchase from AutoZone a new caliper hardware kit that had the 4 metal/rubber retainer pins. There were also 2 small clip-looking things in the hardware bag, but the guys at AZ thought they were "squeal" clips that scrape the disc when the pads wear thin, giving audible warning that the pads are due to be replaced. mmmkay...

I've never used that type of "squeal" clip on any brake job before, so thinking they were optional, I just tossed them, along with the old pins.

Now, I'm thinking they were in fact the AR clips, and should have been installed. And this is what is now causing this noise.

At the risk of redundancy...does anyone have a pic of these clips, and where they are to be installed? I suppose the inner pad will NOT fall out, as it's retained by the grooves in the caliper bracket and the piston. But it's annoying, especially following an otherwise good, new brake job.

Thanks in advance.

FarmTruk · 04-16-2009, 01:25 PM

nvm.

Found the pic in my Haynes manual...

FarmTruk · 04-16-2009, 01:35 PM

For future board knowledge...

I just wish I hadn't thrown my brand new clips away along with the old pins.

FarmTruk · 04-17-2009, 10:12 PM

mmmkay...

Got the clips only at AutoZone today. Stk # 704460. $4.99/pr.

Will be fixing the rattle tomorrow afternoon.

**Tbars4** · 04-17-2009, 10:23 PM

...I wonder if this is for the 93-94 models only and thats why you could't find any info...

...I, just this week, installed new front pads again on my 91 X and did not receive those clips...I haven't noticed any rattling from them but will be sure to listen for it...

...Thanks for posting this useful info up...

*Blacksheep Josh* · 04-18-2009, 11:08 AM

[QUOTE=tbars4;2180693]
...I, just this week, installed new front pads again on my 91 X and did not receive those clips...I haven't noticed any rattling from them but will be sure to listen for it...
QUOTE]

Tbars, through all the brake jobs I've ever done, I've never gotten any clips either. It's becaue these clips are good for so long, that usually you can just re-use the clips. I had to specifically ask for them when I needed mine a few years ago.

My last brake job though, I used Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads, and I was not able to use the rattle clips, it was to much to try and stuff them in, so I left mine off. The pedal pulses more like ABS kicking in, but I've lightened my food action and it's been fine.

**Tbars4** · 04-18-2009, 03:35 PM

...I will keep an eye on mine and maybe will put these on to see if there is a difference...

*Willard* · 04-18-2009, 03:50 PM

I don't think mine have ever had them. It works alright without them, and no noises (well, none from not having those clips on...).

FarmTruk · 04-18-2009, 04:26 PM

yeah...I don't ever remember seeing these on my pads before either. And I've changed them out several times.

But for whatever reason, this brake job...the driver's side pad started "rattling". Sounds like a pebble inside a metal hubcap, if any of you have ever heard that.

Won't get them on today. I got a better offer for my afternoon/evening activities than getting dirty with the X.

Will report back with results soon...

FarmTruk · 06-20-2009, 11:41 PM

Well, time for the belated update...

These clips did exactly what I hoped they'd do. The low-speed rattle was excorcised. Brakes are nice & quiet now.

I just wish I had not thrown the 1st new set of them away. But I couldn't for the life of me figure out what they were for, nor how they were to be installed. My hope is this thread will save at least one person the trouble, annoyance and frustration I had with this issue.

*jd4242* · 06-21-2009, 03:23 PM

i just went through this also,i too have never known what they were for till now,mine is a 92 and has all ways came with my pads i just never put them on but this time they were making all kinds of noise and these fixed it,but here is another thread just last week
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=247111

Robrt32 · 06-21-2009, 05:15 PM

Interesting.... I too have the rattle and will see about getting a set of these... THANKS for the info.....

burgundy1994xlt · 06-22-2009, 02:39 AM

My 94 xlt had the exact same noise after I had a brake job done so I ended up taking it back to the shop 3 times before they figured out what was causing the "metal clacking clanking" sound I was talking about. Clips in, clack-clank gone.

Thought I had a broken shock or some damn thing LOL!

Glad you started this thread. Good info.

FarmTruk · 06-24-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burgundy1994xlt

...Thought I had a broken shock or some damn thing LOL!...

hehe...

That's exactly what I thought when I heard my clack-clack, too. Broken shock.

cobeezle · 10-24-2009, 08:02 AM

i have a 94 sport. Put new brakes on had the same (pebble in cap) noise. dthanks to this board i found out i need anti rattle clips. Old shoes never had them installed. i think the better brakes you buy , the less of a chane you have with the brake shoes rattling.

10-24-2009, 08:33 AM

None of the pads I've bought came with the clips, so I just transfer them from the old pads.

Robrt32 · 10-29-2009, 06:40 AM

The Anti rattle clips worked like a charm

rayford2 · 10-29-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robrt32

The Anti rattle clips worked like a charm

I think the reason kits don't come with the clips is that they usually give you
adhesive to apply to the back of the pads before installation. It certainly doesn't hurt to reinstall the old clips if they're still in good shape. Ray S. in PA

chrisc-54 · 04-25-2010, 08:38 PM

hey, do you know anywhere on the internet i could purchase these or do u have a link, i got some from my local auto store that ddi not fit my 91 explorer

**Tbars4** · 04-25-2010, 09:46 PM

...You can check with our vendors on the bottom of the Forums page...

04-15-2009, 10:44 PM	#1
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Disc brake anti-rattle clips...? Hey everybody. I mostly lurk here, but this is great forum, and has been very useful to me over the past couple of years. I recently did a front brake job on my '94 XLT 4x4. I now have noticed a slight metallic "ping/clang" noise and am fairly certain it's because I did not put AR clips on the inside pads. The noise disappears whenever I touch the brake pedal. Best way to describe this noise is it's as if you were tapping on the disc with a hammer. I've searched google, this forum, and Glacier's EXCELLENT tutorial on 1st gen brakes, but have not seen any pic that shows this clip and/or where/how it's installed on the inner pad, at least specific to the 1st gen Explorer's pad. I DID purchase from AutoZone a new caliper hardware kit that had the 4 metal/rubber retainer pins. There were also 2 small clip-looking things in the hardware bag, but the guys at AZ thought they were "squeal" clips that scrape the disc when the pads wear thin, giving audible warning that the pads are due to be replaced. mmmkay... I've never used that type of "squeal" clip on any brake job before, so thinking they were optional, I just tossed them, along with the old pins. Now, I'm thinking they were in fact the AR clips, and should have been installed. And this is what is now causing this noise. At the risk of redundancy...does anyone have a pic of these clips, and where they are to be installed? I suppose the inner pad will NOT fall out, as it's retained by the grooves in the caliper bracket and the piston. But it's annoying, especially following an otherwise good, new brake job. Thanks in advance.

04-17-2009, 10:23 PM	#5
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,867 Vehicle Specs	...I wonder if this is for the 93-94 models only and thats why you could't find any info... ...I, just this week, installed new front pads again on my 91 X and did not receive those clips...I haven't noticed any rattling from them but will be sure to listen for it... ...Thanks for posting this useful info up... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

04-18-2009, 11:08 AM	#6
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,566 Vehicle Specs	[QUOTE=tbars4;2180693] ...I, just this week, installed new front pads again on my 91 X and did not receive those clips...I haven't noticed any rattling from them but will be sure to listen for it... QUOTE] Tbars, through all the brake jobs I've ever done, I've never gotten any clips either. It's becaue these clips are good for so long, that usually you can just re-use the clips. I had to specifically ask for them when I needed mine a few years ago. My last brake job though, I used Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads, and I was not able to use the rattle clips, it was to much to try and stuff them in, so I left mine off. The pedal pulses more like ABS kicking in, but I've lightened my food action and it's been fine. __________________ "Thunder" Registry R.I.P. 2005-2012 2001 Ford Ranger (New!!) "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

04-18-2009, 03:35 PM	#7
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,867 Vehicle Specs	...I will keep an eye on mine and maybe will put these on to see if there is a difference... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

04-18-2009, 03:50 PM	#8
Willard Elite tree-smasher Bloomington, Indiana 04 Ranger Edge Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,293 Vehicle Specs	I don't think mine have ever had them. It works alright without them, and no noises (well, none from not having those clips on...). __________________ Jesse '94 Eddie Bauer DD/Beater "Old Faithful" RIP '04 Ranger Edge DD "Black Knight" You want to see my face?

04-16-2009, 01:25 PM	#2
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	nvm. Found the pic in my Haynes manual...

04-16-2009, 01:35 PM	#3
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	For future board knowledge... I just wish I hadn't thrown my brand new clips away along with the old pins.

04-17-2009, 10:12 PM	#4
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	mmmkay... Got the clips only at AutoZone today. Stk # 704460. $4.99/pr. Will be fixing the rattle tomorrow afternoon.

04-18-2009, 04:26 PM	#9
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	yeah...I don't ever remember seeing these on my pads before either. And I've changed them out several times. But for whatever reason, this brake job...the driver's side pad started "rattling". Sounds like a pebble inside a metal hubcap, if any of you have ever heard that. Won't get them on today. I got a better offer for my afternoon/evening activities than getting dirty with the X. Will report back with results soon...

06-20-2009, 11:41 PM	#10
FarmTruk Wannabe Elite Explorer Wallburg, NC 94 XLT 4x4, 172k miles Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 127 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Well, time for the belated update... These clips did exactly what I hoped they'd do. The low-speed rattle was excorcised. Brakes are nice & quiet now. I just wish I had not thrown the 1st new set of them away. But I couldn't for the life of me figure out what they were for, nor how they were to be installed. My hope is this thread will save at least one person the trouble, annoyance and frustration I had with this issue.

06-21-2009, 03:23 PM	#11
jd4242 Elite Explorer va beach 92 SC Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 6,985 Vehicle Specs	i just went through this also,i too have never known what they were for till now,mine is a 92 and has all ways came with my pads i just never put them on but this time they were making all kinds of noise and these fixed it,but here is another thread just last week http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=247111 __________________ 92 xl 5.5"duff arms,3"BL,PJ 36x14.50,wrapped headers,side dump exhaust,.20 over,HF oil pump,422cam,45cc 95tm p+p 10.67:1 heads,p+p lower manifold,75mm TB,90mm maf,36lbs injectors,P+P GM M90 Supercharged & intercooled!!SCT tuned!!electric fan,4.88s aussie locked front & back!!next NOS&W/M http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=double+vision

06-21-2009, 05:15 PM	#12
Robrt32 Wannabe Elite Explorer Sledge Mississippi 94 Explorer XLT Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 319 Vehicle Specs	Interesting.... I too have the rattle and will see about getting a set of these... THANKS for the info.....

06-22-2009, 02:39 AM	#13
burgundy1994xlt Wannabe Elite Explorer Schmuck from dirtland 1994 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 124 Vehicle Specs	My 94 xlt had the exact same noise after I had a brake job done so I ended up taking it back to the shop 3 times before they figured out what was causing the "metal clacking clanking" sound I was talking about. Clips in, clack-clank gone. Thought I had a broken shock or some damn thing LOL! Glad you started this thread. Good info.

10-24-2009, 08:02 AM	#15
cobeezle Wannabe Elite Explorer york,pa "94" explore sport 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	i have a 94 sport. Put new brakes on had the same (pebble in cap) noise. dthanks to this board i found out i need anti rattle clips. Old shoes never had them installed. i think the better brakes you buy , the less of a chane you have with the brake shoes rattling.

10-24-2009, 08:33 AM	#16
geoph1986 Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	None of the pads I've bought came with the clips, so I just transfer them from the old pads.

10-29-2009, 06:40 AM	#17
Robrt32 Wannabe Elite Explorer Sledge Mississippi 94 Explorer XLT Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 319 Vehicle Specs	The Anti rattle clips worked like a charm

04-25-2010, 08:38 PM	#19
chrisc-54 Wannabe Elite Explorer vancouver 1991 sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs	hey, do you know anywhere on the internet i could purchase these or do u have a link, i got some from my local auto store that ddi not fit my 91 explorer

04-25-2010, 09:46 PM	#20
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,867 Vehicle Specs	...You can check with our vendors on the bottom of the Forums page... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here