A friend has an 89 Accord she asked me to look at. When she backs up and stops, then starts forward, there is a loud clunk-clunk-clunk as she takes off. It usually clunks 3-4 times in the first 30 feet or so, then stops.

She gave me a ride the other day and I also noticed the same sound when she hit a pothole or rough patch of asphalt, and sometimes in a left turn (the sound is coming from the right front wheel).

I took off the wheel and looked at all the suspension, steering, axles... everything was tight. This is not a CV-joint clattering sound, and the front axles are new, boots good.

Took off the caliper but left the pads in place and spun the hub, and I heard something hitting once per revolution. Took off the inboard pad and it went away. I noticed that the spring in the caliper was a little flat, so I bent it to put more pressure on the pads. I put everything back together and couldn't get it to make the sound again, so I thought I was done. Unfortunately, when she backed up and took off, the clunk was still there.

She told me that the clunk went away a lot sooner and she didn't hear it anywhere near as often as before, so I think I'm on the right track. The caliper and everything else seems solid. What can I do to keep the pads from moving? Or could it be something else that I'm missing?

Thanks for any ideas.

--- Steve

There can be noises when pads only are replaced. There will be a rust ring on rotor that may not be even. Certainly make sure all parts are in place and tight. Good luck,
_________________________________________


Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Thanks, Tom. We just got her this car a couple of months ago. The pads are definitely new, and there is a rust ring around the outside edge of the rotor. I thought that might have something to do with it.

A friend suggested trying some of that stuff you put on the back of pads to stop them from squealing, so I might give that a try. I am sure that this is not a safety concern, just an annoyance, otherwise I wouldn't let her drive the car.

--- Steve