Brake pad rattle

[shogun001]

Have a rattling which sounds like it's coming from all four corners. It's there when going over bumps and over rough surface. It goes away if I apply the brakes with my left foot ever so slightly but is still there even if I apply the handbrake. All slider clips and M springs are on. They're mintex pads with new discs around 10k ago. It's doing my head in!

[anonymous-user]

Do your pads have backing shims? I'd assume lack of these could cause a bit of noise?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Might be nothing to do with the brakes. Braking just puts everything under a bit of tension.
Check the drop links and ARB bushes.

[shogun001]

Don't have backing shims but thought these were only to reduce break squeal?

I can physically move the pad about 1mm up and down if I take the wheel off. This is with the caliper still on.

[MX-5 Lazza]

You don't need backing plates but you do need the slide-plates - the shaped steel bits that the callipers slide in. Are these fitted to you car?

As in the picture here:
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/product...

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Saturday 28th May 18:35

[shogun001]

Yep. Got those. And both m springs per calliper. Only thing I can think is that the pads are slightly undersize?

[anonymous-user]

Sounds like they could be, I'm in the process of refurbishing all of my brake calipers and the pads that were fitted didn't have any play up or down in the stainless steel clips, they were a very snug fit indeed.

[shogun001]

There is around 1.5mm of play on each calliper I'd say. Getting my hands on a known good part worn set of 1.8 pads to test.

[NeoVR]

This is relevant to my interests..

I notice a definite "clonk" when first applying the brakes once after changing direction, even lightly... Ie if i reverse and press brakes.. "clonk" - then go forwards afterwards and press brakes.. clonk.

Does sound like the pads are shifting in the carriers, even though i have the metal slide things in. last two sets of pads have been the same (admittedly both the EBC ultimax cheapos so may just be those pads?

(oh mines a 1.8 too)

[shogun001]

That definitely sounds like the brake pads moving. Where does it sound like its coming from? Try applying the handbrake while travelling slowly forward. If it still knocks then its the rear.

I don't think my problem is brake related anymore. I've removed the retractor springs on both sides and it's still happening but disappears under braking. I've ordered new arb droplinks for the front as they are very worn . I'm just hoping it's not a wishbone bush but knowing my luck it will be.

[Metalligator]

Does it happen if you accelerate harshly?
IMHO think it sounds suspensiony (technical term).

Make sure all bolts at top of suspension are done up, that makes some clunks (not that I've done it...)

[shogun001]

Nope. No noise upon braking or rapidly accelerating on smoothish road surfaces. I'll try and get a recording of what it sounds like. It's doing my head in. I've checked the nuts that hold the shock absorber to the top mount and the top mount to the car.