My 99 Expy has been clicking when braking.

It happens just before it comes to a stop, and it doesn't seem to matter how fast I was going when I hit the brakes.

I've had it into the dealer for it but it never seems to happen when they drive it. Once they said that it didn't click for them, and after I picked it up it didn't do it for me either, for a week.

Another time it started clicking 1/2 mile from the dealer...but of course I picked it up just as they closed so I didn't get to take it back right then.

They've looked at it at least 4 times, and each time it doesn't click when they drive it.

I know I'm not nuts, my wife and my brother-in-law have both heard it.

Next time I take it in I will drive someone around until it clicks and they hear it...but I was looking for some ideas as to what it might be before I get there.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
- tk

 

When was the last time you had a brake job done? Did they grease the caliper slides? Also, warped rotors or improperly tightened rotors can cause this. I would start trying to diag this one by:

1.) grease the caliper slides
2.) ck bearings on front rotors (I assume you have a 4x2)
3.) ck Tires for unusual wear/rotate
4.) ck brake linings for unusual wear
5.) ck for any obstructions which may be causing the sound.

I had a pebble stuck between the dush shield and the rotor once that squeeled only every once in a while. :/

6.) ck for suspention clicks by pushing down hard on front of vehicle.
7.) ck for loose object under vehicle, a loose thingy could be swinging and hitting things when you slow down

After trying all this I would start looking at replacing the rotors and doing a complete front brake job. Saving this one for last cuz it is the most expensive option.

If you get yourself a chiltons the brake inspection and teardown/assembly is very easy on the expy. The only wierd tool you need is a torx-45. (ck me on the size I may not be remembering right)


Good luck!

99 F250SD EC 5.4L 3.73 285 BFG/ATs...
99 Expy EB 5.4L

 

Cracked rotor?