I got a rattle coming from my front driver's side as I'm slowing down to about 30 mph or slower. It could be at higher speeds and maybe I just can't hear it. Anyway, I thought it had something to do with the brakes because when I apply the brakes over half way, it stops. But I pulled the brakes and everything is tight. I did brake work about 4mths ago, so I know everything is in good shape there, but I checked again to make sure. The rattle sounds like a metal clapping sound, like something keeps loosening up. I also thought that maybe it was something to do with power steering since it isn't in real good shape right now (bearings or gears or something like that), but, if so, I don't see how the sound would stop when I applied the brakes.
So, has anyone had this problem or know what it may be?
Thanks in advance.



WrenchBuilder
1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

did you put anti-rattle clips on your brake pads??

 

Well, that would be a obvious thing to think about, but the rattling is pretty loud and I wouldn't think the lack of clips would cause it to be so loud. Maybe, I'm wrong. But it didn't have clips on when the old pads were in either and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that the sound started. The brakes were replaced back in February/March.

WrenchBuilder
1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

I've got a 78 f150 and it was pretty load, very anoying, but it did the same thing you are describing (going away when you hit the breaks). you'd be surprised how much the pads bang around. But, it still maybe something else.

 

Okay, well I'll check it out tomorrow and post back whether the problem was solved or not. Thanks.


WrenchBuilder
1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

Im not sure on the f100 but the 150 and 250 4x4s have a wedge that you knock in. Then you use a bolt to hold it in place also a spring clip ttpe of thing. If your caliper mounts this way i bet thats were the noise is coming from. If the clip breaks or the wedge is worn it will rattle pretty darn loud goin down the road. My 250s doing it right now just to busy to fix it yet.

Good Luck Andy

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-May-02 AT 00:34 AM (EST)]Hey Wrench, it looks like you and I are in the same boat! I posted basically the same proble in another post called "noise problem" today.

It's now 9pm, and my husband and I are going crazy with this thing. It's the right front tire, somewhere inside. My whole suspension underneath has been redone 4 years ago too, so dismisses that. Been working on it since about 6pm. He bent out the brake dust guard (behing the rotor), and nothing still. Same as you, only around 20 miles per hour (spedometer is a little jumpy though, probably 25-30mmp). Anyways, the only thing that comes down to it, is possibly a bent rim. The sound seems to be as if there is a rubbing of metal ONLY at a curtain spot of rotation. We've jacked the truck up about 5 times today, trying something, then driving it down the road. Have you tried lifting each side of the axle, and freespinning your tires to see if there's a catch in the tire? Also, take the tire off, and see if there's any rubbing mark (fresh metal, etc). My husband says it sounds like the wear indicator that's hitting the rotor. But I still have 95% of my brakes still there. GRRR!

So, I'm going to take the sucker in to my tire shop tomorrow if I can get away from work, and see if they can figure out if I've got a bent rim.

Let me know if you figure yours out, or I'll tell you bout mine!

 

I'll be sure to post back when I find out what it is....


WrenchBuilder

1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

Apply some high temp silicone to the pads where they contact the piston and caliper, install anti-rattle clips on the pads AND on the caliper. Napa has all this stuff. While your in there slap in some new pads, they are cheap and you don't want to have to do this again for a while.
William in Atlanta

 

Next time you check the pads check the wear down indicator. It's a little claw thingy on the side of the pad. If it got knocked out of line it may be rubing. It's not supposed to start rubbing untill the pad is about gone. At that time it should start screaching. It's also suppossed to be on the trailing edge I believe.

Bear Tracks

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-May-02 AT 11:42 AM (EST)]I wish I could explain the metal sound a little better. The pads are still up to par. Relatively new. It's not a scrubbing sound. It's more like something's loose. It starts up when I slow down to turn into my housing area (seems to be when I hear it most anyway). It sounds like two pieces of metal are clapping together. The best example of the sound I guess, would be like taking two pieces of flat metal bars and clapping them together without the high pitched metallic pinging sound. lol....I know this all sounds stupid/corny/silly, but it's the only way I know of explaining it.
I'm about to head down to the parts store and get some valve cover gaskets and change them out, so, when I get back to do that I'll also check again on the sound and see if I can dig deeper and get to the problem. Curiosity is really the only thing that's got me going here. And the fact that it's a little embarrasing because it's so loud that people start to look in my direction when the sound starts up. lol...I'm so anxious to get this Truck straightened out just to show everyone that these Ford Trucks are well worth it....the sound makes it seem more on the lines of being just another OLD truck that I can't afford to replace or fix. But then, again, SCREW what they think. At least I know it's the best on the road.
Well, sorry for the babbling again.....let me back off...thanks everyone, so far, on your help.


WrenchBuilder
1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

The way you described it that time it really sounds like the pads clacking against the rotors. Like missing the anti rattle clip or the gooey stuff you put on the back to prevent squeals and rattles.


Bear Tracks

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-May-02 AT 06:45 PM (EST)]Well, I didn't take the time to check it out today. There's so much more I'm doing to the truck right now. I'll probably check it out tomorrow after I replace the valve cover gaskets.


By the way, a man from work said his dad has a runnin' 360 for $100. I told him I needed the trans, too. So he said he'll just see if his dad will let him pull the whole truck back. Shouldn't be a problem getting it all. I just hope it's not for much more than the engine cost. I know this isn't the FE engine forum, but since I'm talking the whole truck, then I figured it would be suffice to post here. I'm not sure what year the truck is yet. I DO know it's mid 70's at least. I should be getting it by the 2nd week in June. I'll let y'all know how it turns out. Could be a great parts truck.

WrenchBuilder
1978 F100 Ranger Lariat XLT

*Ford Evolution* coming soon...

 

 

Hey Wrench!

Got my problem figured out.

I took my truck to my tire shop, had them check my rims and tires, as well as rotated my tires.

Problem: my right front tire had worn where there were high and low spots. This was causing the rubbing. Since I left my spare tire in my backyard (typical hick), they just rotating them (fronts to the rear diagonally, and rears up front). This week, we're going to go back and have them throw my rim on that spare of mine.

As I go down the road, I hear that darn tire roar from the awkward wear pattern, but no other noise! PLUS, I got my full brake power back. ONE freakin' tire threw off everything!!

SO, go out and check the wear patterns on your tires. Have someone check your rims for bends, etc. Process of elimination.

Best of luck!