I will post this in 2 spots as I am not sure which forum will get more traffic.

I just installed new front pads and rotors on my 2002 Ranger. I have done this many times before on this and other vehicles of mine, so I feel as if it was done correctly.

The issue is when the brakes are applied, they make a noise, like scraping, not high pitched, just like a noise. Hard to describe. I have never heard this before. They are semi-metallic pads. I sprayed brake cleaner on the rotors before installing to get any grease or protectant off. Could they just be breaking in? Don't want to ruin anything.

I get the noise and I am not sure what to do and it makes me slightly nervous. Also, I think one pad may be hanging up a little as I get a scraping/clicking noise. Is that possible? Is it possible that I tightened the screws for the caliper too tight? Not sure what to do, please help.

 

that is normal with new pads & rotors......once they wear in, it will stop...

BTW: you only need to post in 1 section because 99.9% of all users use the "Active Topics" option on the main page.....

 

maybe he meant he posted on a different forum? So not then x2 on only posting in one section, your post will be found.

 

he made 2 different post here....if you look at the "active topics" you will see that...

 

Yes, I posted 2x on the forums. Thanks for the advice and I will remember that for the future.

So, the scraping noise is normal? I did not hear that noise the last time I did it, or maybe I just don't remember. Why does it make that noise?

So, is it possible for me to have tightened the caliper bolts too tight?(the ones that are on the caliper, not the ones that attach the bracket to truck) I just want to make sure, I lubed the bolts good and they seemed to slide well. Is it possible one is hanging up and that is why I get a clicking noise? Maybe that will go away as well? I get this one all the time. Mind you, I have driven less than 25 miles with the new brakes.

Again, I did it by the book and have done it before. I appreciate any and all help as brakes are serious and I want to make sure others can quell my concerns.

Thanks!

 

the scraping noise is normal for a bit until the pads & rotors get broke in......

if you are too concerned, then take the calipers and pads off and see if there is anything in between the rotor and pad...

 

Thanks. I know there is nothing there as I did it in my garage, all parts were clean. Not worried about that.

What about that clicking noise? Like one of the pads is hung up. Thoughts? Anything to do with that tighteneing question?

I try not to be a pain, I just feel good that I can do this but have concerns if I am missing the obvious.

 

you can't overtighten the caliper bolts......

it could be a bad wheel bearing making the noises you are describing...

 

It just started a few miles back while driving in. I would assume brake issue as it had not done that prior to the install on Saturday.

Okay, the brakes are on right and the scraping noise is normal, check.

Maybe not so much a clicking, more of a "I can tell that the pad is contacting the rotor" kind of noise. I will monitor. Again, need to break them in for a week I suppose, do you agree? If the pad were out of place, well, I clipped them in so it could not be. Maybe it is hanging up a little and will go away?

I know the wheel bearing noise you describe, I would say that is not the case in this matter. I do appreciate all of the help.

 

i would say let them break in for about a week.....if it still does it, then start looking by taking the pads and calipers off...

 

I will do that and see. It was fine at first then just started a mile ago right before I got to work. I will report back, thanks again for all of the help.

 

Drove it at lunch. Definitely sounds like there is a pad contacting the rotor. I get a noise that of course increases as I go faster. Not a click, but a chh chh chh type of thing. I know, my sound effects are bad. I guess if a caliper was hung up it would be constant and not a chh chh chh, right? Maybe unever rotor surface that will break in soon enough? Thoughts?

 

Did you apply anything to the back of the pads?

I always use that CRC red anti-squeak. I put it on the circumference of the piston where it contacts the pad and more liberally on the back of the stationary pad. This stuff holds them and may cure what you described.

It basically bonds the pads to the caliper and piston so they don't rattle around and make noise. I'd try some of that, even tho' it means repeating most of the front brake job.......

 

I did put anti squeak stuff on the back of the pads. I may not have put enough, but I thought it was more of a lubricant than anything. I can't see hpw it would bond.

Anyway, it really sounds like something is hanging up as I can hear the contact noise increse as I go fatster until finally I can't hear it as I am going over say 45 miles/hr.

Not really sure what do do. I understand the breaking in part, but the contacting with the rotor when the brakes are not applied is a problem. What could cause that?

Is it possible that the pads are wrong for the rotors? Some sort of material issue between the 2. I just don't recall this happening in the past.

 

I had a deal where I replaced the pads at night. I unknowlingly mangled the thin sheetmetal things that help the pads clip in. They were hitting the rotor.

Another issue is installing the wrong front rotor. There is a small and large. If you install the large rotor by accident, the pad will overhang past the edge of it.

You should run a finger over the disc to see if anything is cutting a groove into it.

 

What did you do about the clip? I know one was a little bent but I don't think it could possibly hit the rotor. Even so, it would wear pretty quick.

I have a 4x4 and asked for the 4x4 rotors for the front as I know there is a difference. I see that there are 2 diameters. Why would it overhand if the dia. is larger? It seems when I look that there is wear even across the rotor except maybe 1/8" at the edge. Is that normal? I don't see any grooves. I do have the 10.28" ones as they are the ones for the 4WD according to Advanced. Regardless, those are the ones I have.

I can definitely tell that the pad may be hanging up, but what can I do about that? I can hear the contact noise even when I have the brakes not depressed. Am I sweating the small stuff here and it will resolve itself with some normal wear? Should I brake hard to cause some wear? Just want to do the right thing.

Can you tell I overanalyze things?

 

You Can Fix this problem real easy......................go buy a new truck and it will have the correct pads and Rotors on it. If they make noise, take it back to the dealer and let THEM worry about it.


On a serious note now.....If you are still having Issues....Take is all back apart. Clean everything with some brake cleaner and put it back together. Take a good close look and inspect everything. It could be something as small as a little stone somehow got lodged in there.

 

Thanks. I plan on taking it all apart this weekend if the noise does not subside. I know I have the right pads and rotors. I just wonder why it seems to be hanging up, maybe I should invest in new clips? More stuff on the back of the pads?

Am I the only one who has experienced this noise when putting on a fresh set of pads and rotors and if not, when does it subside? Should I be concerned if maybe a pad is hanging up and if so how do I keep that from happening?

 

I have never had any issues other than normal break in type feel.

 

That is making me nervous..... I can hear definite scraping sound like metal to metal.

 

then something is wrong....you need to stop driving it unless you absolutely have to so you don't screw something up.....take it all back apart and make sure you have it right...

 

Correction. Deep groove on left rotor 1/4" from hub. Faint groove on right rotor 1/4" from hub. My guess, bad clips and they are hitting the rotor. Should have replaced them when i changed the pads. I will put new ones on tonight.

I have the pads with the pad with the anti rattle clip (it is permanently attached to pad, right?) on the inside pad (One that goes against the pistons), is that right? The anti rattle clip does not seem to do anything or engage with anything, am I missing something?

So I will disassemble, leave rotor on as that is the bear and I know that cannot be screwed up. I will replace the clips, put the pads with the anti-rattle cip on the inside, not outside, I will re-lube the back of all pads, reassmeble. Anything else?

 

you should get the rotors turned while you are in there to get the groove out...

 

Do you agree with all the other things I said? Did I make sense in my analysis and is that the correct positioning for the pads? How does the anti-rattle clip work and engage? I don't see how.

The groove is light, less than 50 miles on the rotors. Can't I just let it be or will I have more problems? the groove is hairline in width, less than 1/16"

 

i think you are on the right track with everything else...

i personally wouldn't leave the groove in it......i would get it turned out....