Front brake rattle after putting in new pads and rotors

[mikepier]

Last weekend I put in all new pads and rotors on all 4 wheels. I replaced hardware clips on the front pads. I did not notice this last week, but now I notice the front pads are rattling when I go over a bump. This is on both front wheels. When I apply the brakes, the rattle is gone. I am guessing there is a liitle play someplace, maybe the clips have to be spread out some more. Is this normal for new pads and will it eventually go away? Or do I need to adjust the clips.

 

[parad1mg]

:scratch: i never touched the clips on mine when i changed the pads.. i just unbolted the caliper slider bolts, took out the old pads, put the new ones in and bolted the caliper back after installing my powerslot rotors..

could it be that you took something out that wasnt supposed to be taken off?

 

[mikepier]

:scratch: i never touched the clips on mine when i changed the pads.. i just unbolted the caliper slider bolts, took out the old pads, put the new ones in and bolted the caliper back after installing my powerslot rotors..

could it be that you took something out that wasnt supposed to be taken off?

No, when I got the new pads from Autozone, the hardware was included.There are 3 clips per caliper. One on top, and one on each end of the caliper. My existing clips were original (1o years old) so thats why I changed them.

 

[mikepier]

Update: Took off front wheels to investgate. To my disbelief, the caliper bolts were loose as well as the caliper mount bracket bolts. Tightened them all up and took for a test drive, and all is quiet. I have no idea how they came loose. I remember I tightened them good last week.

 

[storlied]

Common issue, you gotta get those things TIGHT... I'm glad you caught it before something bad happened.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Did you reuse the bolts, and if so, did you threadlock them?

 

[storlied]

He most likely didn't but that's a very good tip. Not to scare the OP, but I had this happen on the caliper bracket this winter.. (and I'm glad it was winter when it happened.) After the bolt was lost, because it backed it self out completely... I applied the brakes to an upcoming red light.... guess what happened? Caliper slammed up into those grooves on the rotor and I was stuck trying to control my truck through a icy red light... with one wheel completely locked up.... oh man.. it coulda been so much worse..

 

[Blee1099]

Update: Took off front wheels to investgate. To my disbelief, the caliper bolts were loose as well as the caliper mount bracket bolts. Tightened them all up and took for a test drive, and all is quiet. I have no idea how they came loose. I remember I tightened them good last week.

Definately apply threadlock to them.. I've seen quite a few with missing bolts.. A simple drop of threadlocker or two will work wonders..

 

[mikepier]

Well I know I'm going to get bashed for this, but I used anti-seize compound on those bolts. I did not know this was an issue. I will definately put thread lock on those bolts. At least I do not have to take the tire off, I can get to those bolts easily.

 

[Cobraguy]

I can't argue the use of antiseize. Logic says that if you use it, and properly torque the bolts, they will never come loose. But you know Murphy and how it goes. That's why Loctite exists and why Ford uses it on a lot of different bolts. At this point, I would just keep an eye on the bolts and make sure they stay tight. To get Loctite to work, you would need to ensure the bolts and threads are spotless of all antiseize for it to work. That will be tough to do. Maybe a bunch of Brakekleen would get it done.