GeneralIesrussi

Hey guys,

I have a 1991 305 TPI Camaro Z28, with front disk brakes and rear pad brakes,
and my issue is recently my car has started to "click" when almost at a stop, and it's not like that's the pad finally stopping on the disk/drum, its an audible click *almost* before fully stopping, only ever one, it feels and sounds like it is coming from underneath the car just in front of the pedals, I'm really stumped and didn't really know what to even search for, I'd like your guys ideas,

Thanks,
Bryce

Queball

well something to do is..

clean your brakes all around.
inspect your pads, could have some debris in there.
check calipers to make sure the bolts are tight.
have a buddy help you bleed your brakes

test drive n check

GeneralIesrussi

I feel like the issue could have something to do with the brake cylinder "bottoming out" or something because it is a distinctive "click" just before stopping, bleeding the brakes and servicing them would be a great idea though. Still not sure what the underlying cause of the noise would be.

*Edit* I did have the pads and rotors cleaned and serviced along with the pads re-chamfered due to squealing coming from the brakes near stop, all pads have 70-80% left and it still squeals a tiny amount when coming to a full stop, a lot less than before but still there. I was told it was due to poor quality pads, not sure if this is relevant, but hey.

TPeye

If you have the stock style brakes in the front, you might want to replace the caliper slider bushings, and the rubber o-rings that ride on those bushings. I had a similar problem on my 92 before switching to the 1LE brakes. Here are the parts I am talking about http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...id=521&jpid=14

GeneralIesrussi

I have what I believe to be stock disk brakes for the front, I can look into doing that fix when I have time to bleed the brake etc, Do you know why it makes the sound? Could my worn bushings be the cause?
Thanks for the reply

TPeye

When those bushings are worn, the whole caliper is able to rock back and forth just enough. It is the contact at then end of that play that creates the click. I lived with that noise for far too long, so when I finally did fix things it was a pleasure to have quiet brakes.

GeneralIesrussi

You're telling me, I have 3 threads up right now for the sounds my car makes, I have another I will address later, all of which are pointing to all sorts of worn bushings and loose things, figures for a 260,000 km car I suppose.
Back to my point, with your issue did you get minor brake squealing near stop, not like worn out brake pads, but just a little bit every now and then, because even after having the brakes serviced (apparently they didn't inspect the bushings etc) they still squeak a little, because its sounds like your issue might cause that too.

One more thing, before I order the part you recommended, Is there anything else I should replace/do while I am replacing the bushings? And would I need 2 kits (one for each wheel)?
Thanks again

tealman92

When is the last time you changed your front upper strut mounts? I had the same problem and it drove me nuts. Ended up being the front upper strut mounts were wore out and just before you stopped they would click

GeneralIesrussi

I have never changed them (I have owned the car 1 year) and do not know if they were ever changed, is there an easy way to see/check before buying new ones?

TPeye

If the bushings are worn enough it can prevent the caliper from returning to the neutral resting position. That might account for the squeaking because it could be holding the pads against the rotor just enough to make noise. The kit I linked to shows enough parts to do both calipers so I am going to assume it comes with that many parts.

GeneralIesrussi

Thanks for the reply, I always like to understand why problems occur, I ordered the kit you recommended, good price too, to ship to Canada god forbid the shipping is always $30 plus import fees, but this was only $2 + $10 Cad so thats great. Looking forward to the results.

tealman92

No way to check them. They are suppose to be changed when you change the shocks.

GeneralIesrussi

Upon research they are about $60 each plus shipping etc, can they be changed after the new shocks/ struts are already in place?

tealman92

They are on ebay for 53 for both free shipping. Yes they can be changed anytime before or after shocks are changed

GeneralIesrussi

Glad to hear, i'll add it to my future replacement list, thank you!

GeneralIesrussi

Update on the issue, the intermittent single click at stop has turned into 3-4 in the same situations, does this issue point to the caliper bushings etc being dangerously loose, or that the strut mount has deteriorated even further, because it has definitely gotten worse, Not sure which direction this points, any ideas guys, I keep getting paranoid something is going to fail but I don't know what.

bryan623

Is the clicking when you stop? Turning? Do you by chance hear a 'whirring' sound when you are moving? It could be your wheel bearings going as well. Jack the car up so the tire is off the ground and gently push in a back and forth motion on the tire sidewall. If there is any play or you can feel it rocking back and forth (which is what you are looking for) the wheel bearings could be your clicking culprit.

GeneralIesrussi

I just had them checked and 2 repacked a couple months ago, and thankfully no whirring, and it happens a little bit in turns but only while stopping, I'll check for movement when I jack it up though just in case, although that might not be it, any idea is a good idea to me though, thanks

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

You need to physically examine the front brakes and see what's loose and rubbing. Could be the caliper could be wheels bearing could be a bend dustsheild.

GeneralIesrussi

When looking at it, do you know what signs of wear would indicated which, and which might cause the clicking?