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Thanks, there is no pad build-up. So I'll assume having them resurfaced will fix the issue. Tell the machine shop why you think they need to be turned/resurfaced.
I used to have them done by my long time families friends machine shop for $10 a surface. I doubt that's todays cost.
Looks like you have this style caliper retainers. That would be #2C150 pins. If they are missing or the rubber molded to them is wore out, that can make the caliper sloppy in the mount. If the rotor is a tiny bit warped, it will hit the caliper every revolution and the caliper will make a knock noise where it's mounted. The caliper normally rubs the rotor all the time lightly, but if the caliper is able to move around it will make a noise. If it gets really bad it will make a noise when going over bumps and potholes in the road.
P.S. Looking at the diagram above, the earlier trucks had the retainer style shown in the diagram "before 1986". If you have this style retainer, you must make sure it has the small leaf spring #2B486 installed for the same reason, to keep the caliper from knocking around in the mount.
Thanks for sharing those photos with me. My truck has the later 1986 style with those two pins, however there is no spring of either type on my caliper. My calipers match the photo below which I got from my copy of a factory service manual. I have also attached a better photo of the caliper so that y'all can see. I am also contemplating swapping the rotors side for side and seeing if the noise follows to nail down if that is the issue.
Last edited by connorsutton; Jan 30, 2026 at 06:30 PM.
Sorry for the confusion, after rereading Franklins post and looking at the diagrams - I now realize that it’s just the 2 pins that locate it. After looking at the other diagram, I though I was missing the spring 2B164, but it appears my calipers are a completely different design than those pictured.
Although It’s not completely visible in the attached photo - both pins are there. I am planning on getting the rotor resurfaced tomorrow or Sunday so I can let yall know if it was a warped rotor causing that sound
Last edited by connorsutton; Jan 30, 2026 at 11:08 PM.
Sorry for the confusion, after rereading Franklins post and looking at the diagrams - I now realize that it’s just the 2 pins that locate it. After looking at the other diagram, I though I was missing the spring 2B164, but it appears my calipers are a completely different design than those pictured.
Although It’s not completely visible in the attached photo - both pins are there. I am planning on getting the rotor resurfaced tomorrow or Sunday so I can let yall know if it was a warped rotor causing that sound
The diagram shows the old style and the new style, all in the same diagram. The main diagram shows the two pin style that you have. The small picture in the middle with the leaf spring is labeled "Before 1986".
When you take yours apart, see how tight the pins are. The pins are two pieces of metal with rubber molded to the two pieces. This rubber can get old and not take up the space between the caliper and the caliper bracket like it should, letting the caliper clunk in the bracket. You can buy new pins in the store.
It's been 8+ years, but my 86 F150 is like yours. I seem to recall having to drive those spring style pins (2C150) out, I don't recall any rubber on them.
Rhythmic thumping...I don't think that sound was ever described on the old Click and Clack show as a problem. Mostly it was a clicking noise or a clacking noise. Hence the name of their show. Clicking being a more or less minor problem. Clacking infers something a little more serious. In this case since I have had noisy front brakes before, I'd describe it as more of a clickety-clack. Somewhere between a minor issue and a major problem. Let's face it anything having to do with brakes is on the major problem side...
have you tried shaking the caliper around to see it you feel it move in a way it shouldn't?
I'm happy to report success in chasing down this noise. I ended up swapping the disks and bearings side for side (side note the pins held the caliper in firmly) and the noise followed the passenger disk to the drivers side. I believe it is a warped disk as this would make sense with the previously sticking caliper, and because the noise was constant even when taking turns which I believe would affect the noise if the problem were bearings due to additional pressure on the bearing. I am planning on getting the rotor resurfaced as soon as a shop is open and will post again to let y'all know if that was the solution. Thanks again!
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