Rattling...brakes?
 

Hi

I have a super-mega-annoying rattle coming from my truck. I can't find the damn thing, but I suspect it's related to my brakes in some fashion.

I live in the mountains and when I drive down, I rarely use my brakes (just backing off the gas is enough for most of the ride). However, sometimes driving down, I do need to use my brakes and that's when the noise starts. After the first time I use the brakes, I get this rattle. It goes in time with the wheels turning, so when I drive slow, it's a slow metal-on-metal sound. Driving faster makes the sound go faster. I usually envision the old playing-card-in-the-spokes thing way back when on bicycles. When I depress my brake, even just the slightest amount, the sound goes away. Rarely, the sound will just magically go away for a bit, but then the first time I really use the brakes, the sound comes back.

It's driving me nuts. Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks.

Jim

What model truck? Two or four wheel drive? Does it sound like its coming from the front or rear? If from the front it could be a bad wheel bearing, a broken brake pad, or your anti-rattle clips are missing or bad. From the rear, I'd pull the drums and see if all the pieces are still connected.

You need to jack it up, pull the wheels off, and have a look. It could be worn pads, the little spring missing behind the caliper retainer, etc.

OK....now I see the signature line (I actually did look for it), ignore my first two questions. But the rest are still pertinent. When it starts to make the noise again, have somebody drive by you and apply the brakes. I've found that being outside the truck can help you isolate noises. Also, watch the wheels for unusual movements when the brakes are applied.

My 84 did it. The little ears on the brake pads that hook over the caliper were loose. It allowed the pads to skip along the rotor while I wasn't breaking. I think there is supposed to be some sort of spring or a set of caps to alleviate the situation, but they were gone this time. I just took a hammer and gently bent the tabs in to make them fit tighter on the caliper. Worked for me, rattle is gone.

They're called anti-rattle clips.

Yes, it was the anti-rattle clip. Thanks for the pointer!

Jim