[fromthecoast]

I am getting some metallic clapping sound from the front end when driving over small bumps in the road. I don't think that it is a ball joint, because it doesn't make that wobble sound that a ball joint does. I think it might be my shocks. What is the best way to diagnose this problem.

 

[GT-A 03]

You might want to look at past posts about this. On mine, it was loose calipers. Grab your front caliper through the wheel and see if you can reproduce the sound.

 

[fromthecoast]

Hmmm... Hadn't thought of that. I will look. I was assuming that it was struts although I really don't know.

 

[Bullitt 736]

The caliper clips loose their spring over time and allow the calipers to rattle. New springs and some good lube will help.

 

[fromthecoast]

I just assumed it was the struts with 130k on them.

 

[Droopy]

Well it is probably a combination. I would change the struts if they have that many miles on them. Mine had 85K and had now gas left; But I also had that rattle and it was the calipers.

 

[fromthecoast]

Ok, checked it today. Couldn't find anything wrong other than there was a slight play in the calipers. I took them down and cleaned it up, lubed the calipers, reinstalled and used a new c-clip. They play is still there. The springs seem to be integrated into the pad so is this something I will have to live with until I get new pads? The ones I have are fine wear wise. Also, the struts looked fine and since I am not getting any bouce on either end, I assume they are fine.

 

[fromthecoast]

Anyone?

 

[Droopy]

Still sounds like your brakes. And I didn't have any bounce in my struts either. With as many miles as you have I would say they are long gone.

 

[ribo68]

You need to change the little clips that attach to the brake pads at the bottom. Or,
you can take them off,heat them up and bend them out a little bit to give them more spring to keep the calipers from moving in the bracket.

 

[fromthecoast]

Ahhhh....Ok.