Enough to cause a bad rattle?

[Conor D]

My 5 has got a rattle coming from somewhere along the left hand side, it seems to rattle all the time. I've spent the last few days reading and hitting various parts of the underside trying to find the culprit..

The exhaust, heat shields, and backbox seem fine. As do the springs.

I read somewhere about a tiny clip in the brake calipers causing a rattle if it's missing (not put back after changing pads) - I had a look, and my Rear RHS caliper has a metal clip, the LHS doesn't.. Below is a picture of the caliper with it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49543629@N03/56765916...

And without:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49543629@N03/56771536...

The caliper with the missing clip does have a fresher looking pad (without removing it) so it may have been lost during installation.

But is this little clip enough to cause a metallic rattle that can be heard from outside the car whilst driving?

I can't check it as I'm in the Airport and won't be back until next week.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Basically yes. I don't know if this is the cause of your rattle but that shim should be there as it's what the pad is supposed to slide on! I think you can get full replacement shim sets from Mazda.

[Marvindodgers]

I had the same rattle (again from the left hand side) and diagnosed it as the anto rattle clips/shims by driving over rough surface with and without the brakes pressed (won't do it with the brakes on as it will be under tension at that point and not rattle). I've not had a look with the wheels off, but I'm hoping it shouldn't be a big issue to replace.

[Riknos]

That slider helps the brake pad, slide on basically.. So yes you should have them on. Get one of the kits from mx5 parts for a rip off price of £8 or whatever for a few bits on thin metal, it's pricey for what it is, but worth it.

My old calipers I ripped off the car didn't have these on, and 1 pad on each caliper was effectively rusted on, so only 1 pad each side was actually touching the disc - Even a hammer struggled to get the pads out!

[Conor D]

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/product...

Is the piece I need, or is this something different altogether?

[Riknos]

Conor D said:

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/product...

Is the piece I need, or is this something different altogether?

Bingo. Just make sure you get the right one for the right caliper.

[Mr MXT]

Riknos said:

Bingo. Just make sure you get the right one for the right caliper.

And the left one for the left caliper