I'm getting a metallic 'clunk' from what seems to be my front disk brakes. The rotors & pads are new & the brakes work just fine. I've looked for loose bolts etc, but all seems to be tight. Only get the noise when I apply the brakes. I've noticed that the inboard pads are VERY loose in the caliper. The service manual shows a spring that clips to the pad and the caliper to hold then in place, but I dont have these & cant find them anywhere. Any ideas?

Thanks!!

Bob

Check your upper control arm bushings and cross shafts to make sure there is no movement in them, they will exibit that exact same symptom if loose/worn.

Those inner pad retainer clips should be locally available at any good auto parts store.

i checked Advance auto parts website and their part number is #54082


it looks like this

http://www.partsamerica.com/product_images/AAP/LEE/5408-2.jpg

Thanks for all the help!! I'll pick up the clips at Advance.

I'm starting to wonder a little more about the upper control arms though....the 'clunk' is pretty solid & the more I think about it, I'm not sure the loose brake pads could make quite that sound. I did replace the upper control arm bushings/shafts, but guess it could still be the culprit.

Bob

If it clunks just once when braking first time after braking in reverse, you need to look at the pads. They may be a bit loose in the calipers. The clunk will occur when the pads move forward, and won't reoccur until you brake when going in reverse. However, if it clunks everytime you brake, I'd say it's in the suspension.

Put a wrench on the caliper bracket bolts that hold the bracket to the spindle. If you can turn them with a wrench, they're loose. Should be 100' lbs.

Did you bend those tabs on the outer pads, they need to be bent over so the outer pads don't move in the caliper.

Thanks to all for the responses. I've checked the tightness on all the bolts. The uppper control arm bushings were recently replaced as were the upper ball joints. The front springs were removed for cleaning & painting. I did not replace the lower ball joints or lower control arm bushings (not sure why I didn't do this...duh).

I put new anti-rattle clips on the inboard brake pads & bent the tabs on the outboard pads so they are all held nicely in place now.

I took the car out & I still get this noise when I apply the brakes. It seems to be more prevalent when applying the brakes abruptly and may be more noticeable when applying the brakes during a slow turn such as would be made in a parking lot. Sounds as though it's coming from the left side. I gotta believe it's something in the suspension...just dont know what!

Was it making noise before you replaced parts?
Did you inspect lower A-frame bushings??
Also, did you grease new ball joints...???without grease, new ball joints can make a popping noise like you would not believe!!! Good luck

I have the same thing happening on my 69 on the right side.
The front end is tight. How can I check the upper control arm bushings?
I will install the brake pad clips, but I think it's something more.

It did not make this noise prior to having the front end apart. I did grease the new ball joints, but I'm wondering about the lower control arm bushings now...or possibly a new but bad ball joint. I'm starting to think that the only way I'm going to solve this is to completely bust down the front end & start anew...oh boy!