Simple front brake question/advise

[sts]

I have a '94 xlt 3.0 Ranger that had a sheet metal type rattling noise coming from the front of the truck a month ago. Took it to a shop where I ended-up shelling-out over $300.00 for new bearing installation, a new tie-rod-end, and an alignment. Rattling noise slowly came back. Then last week my brakes were sticking/burning and pulling the truck to the side during braking I had to take my truck back to the shop for that: Brake overhaul $470.00 for pads, lines, calipers, labor. I had everything done but new rotors which they wanted to install because they said to worn to turn, but I had to hold-off because of cost as well as suspicion because I knew the rotors were only two years-old from receipts I had from the previous owner of the Ranger.

At any rate, I just drove the truck to Hardee's this morning for the first time other than bringing it home from the shop the other day (shop is only a mile away), and now when I press the brake petal it is making a "click" noise at low speeds when you can hear noises more clearly rather than at higher speeds. Of course the noise is coming from the front of the vehicle, and I'm assuming it's the brakes the shop "overhauled" Friday.

I would seriously appreciate it if someone could tell me what that "click" noise is before I take the truck back and they try and gauge me for something else rather than admit they may have done a faulty job on my brakes.

Thank you,
sts

 

[Buffalosports]

Does the peddle or wheel shake while braking? If it does, that is a warped rotor. Two years could definitly warp a rotor. Did you have a waranty on them of any sort?

 

[--Alex--]

could you describe the click? is it high pitched or sort of low like a clunking noise?

 

[sts]

No, the truck, brakes, or wheels don't shake when applying the brakes, and the "click" noise when applying the brakes sounds like the snapping of a small twig. No type of clunking noise.

sts

 

[--Alex--]

hmmm, I'm no expert, but iv had a similar problem once, but it was more of a tick then clunk noise. but i fixed it by tightening a bolt that was really loose on the break (so loose that I'm surprised it didn't fall out) but maybe if the bolt was tighter but still a little loose it would make the noise that your describing? like i said I'm a newbie at these things but its something you might try. a loose bolt on the bottom side of the breaks. it sort of looks like it holds a metal plate on. i can go take a picture of the of it if you want.

 

[sts]

Alex:

Yes, my noise is a "tick" or "click" whichever you want to call it when applying the brakes, and probably the same bolt that came loose causing the sheet metal rattling noise I took the truck down there a month ago about to begin with.

I don't want you to go to all the trouble taking a pic because I'm not about to seriously investigate the noise when I just paid someone $470.00 for a brake overhaul, I'll have them do that tomorrow, I just assumed it may be a common problem or easy question someone with experience at this forum would know right off so I can suggest that to the shop before they try and gauge me for something else.

Thank you,
sts