Loud click when braking after the car sat for a while?

[freezerlunik]

Have any of you guys experienced this? When my ex has been sitting for a while and I start driving, the first time I apply the brake there is a pronounced metallic click/clink type of sound.

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that some kind of brackets that are riveted get loose with age, and the rivets need to be replaced with bolts+nuts. Of course I didn't have the problem when I read about it, and goofed up by not bookmarking...

Do you have this metal-to-metal "click"?

 

[awood]

I think what you are referring to is the Radius Arm Bushings. There are lots of articles and how-to's here on the forum about replacing them. The Radius Arms are horizontal metal beams located underneath the vehicle in the vicinity of the front doors - both sides. At the front end, they are attached at the Twin I-Beam (2wd), or Twin Traction Beam (4WD). At the back end they are attached to the frame with two big rubber bushings and a large nut. Do a search on the forum and you should find a picture. Probably what is happening is that when you hit the brakes, if the bushings are worn, the Radius Arms are "catching" then releasing on the aft bracket, making not only a noise, but you will feel slop in the suspension. The bad part is that if the parts wear out enough, the bracket will eat into the stud that holds the big nut on the back end. Your "click" could be the groove worn in the stud catching on the bracket. The only way to tell is to remove the bushings.

Search Youtube for radius arms. Many older ford full size trucks, rangers, and explorers all use radius arms. They're all pretty much the same. If you decide to replace them, remember there are two methods. You'll find both ways on the the forum here.

 

[freezerlunik]

Thanks, Awood! I just had the radius arm bushings redone about a year ago; it sucks if it turns out they half-assed it...