Odd Brake noise in Reverse

[ticex]

Hi there,

I had the brake discs and pads replaced on my 1999 E300 Turbo-D a few months back. A few weeks after they were replaced I thought I occasionaly heard this funny clicking/tapping noise when reversing but thought nothing of it. Anyway, the other day I was reversing in an underground carpark with the window open and I was able to hear the noise properly. It only happens when u go from driving forward, apply the brakes, change gear and then reverse (or vice-versa) and sounds to be like the front pads clicking against the caliper. It's quite loud and the actual sound is like a tap or click and sometimes I could hear it happening on the left then the right a fraction of a second apart - definately coming from the brakes. I moved forward and back several times and it always does it.

My question is....is this something to worry about and if so what can I do to fix it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Greetings,
Michael

 

[miro]

Hi there,

I had the brake discs and pads replaced on my 1999 E300 Turbo-D a few months back. A few weeks after they were replaced I thought I occasionaly heard this funny clicking/tapping noise when reversing but thought nothing of it. Anyway, the other day I was reversing in an underground carpark with the window open and I was able to hear the noise properly. It only happens when u go from driving forward, apply the brakes, change gear and then reverse (or vice-versa) and sounds to be like the front pads clicking against the caliper. It's quite loud and the actual sound is like a tap or click and sometimes I could hear it happening on the left then the right a fraction of a second apart - definately coming from the brakes. I moved forward and back several times and it always does it.

My question is....is this something to worry about and if so what can I do to fix it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Greetings,
Michael

It would be worhwhile looking at the service history and seeing if new rotors or wheel bearings are needed.

 

[ticex]

Thanks for the reply.

I guess by "rotors" you mean the brake discs which I have replaced myself recently. With regard to the wheel bearings I'm pretty sure this isn't it. The noise sounds only happens once on each reverse just after the wheel has started turning and it sounds just like the brake pad springing back from the disc to the caliper. I'm just wondering why they would do this?

 

[MikeL]

Brake click

Michael

I've heard of this problem before, not specific to any make though - it is simply the brake pad has slight movement within the calliper and nothing to worry about. The noise you hear is the pad "hitting" the calliper due to the force of going in reverse. i.e. you brake, the pads grip, the disc turns and drags the pad laterally for a couple of millimetres before resting against the calliper.

To check this theory, if you reverse get the click then reverse again you shouldn't hear anything as the pad has already moved into position.

As to why the click doen't happen when going forwards - just the way the pad is seated + you tend to go forward for longer allowing the pad to re-seat more gradually.

Having said all that always worth getting brake noises checked out.

Mike

 

[grasmere]

I'd also check to ensure all the clips and springs to reduce pad movement and brake squeal are there . . .

 

[grober]

HANDBRAKE shoes or broken return springs problem maybe?? Might be worth checking. you could maybe check thro a wheel bolt hole with a torch. Were they OK when you changed the rotors?? Did you renew the pad retaining pins and tension clips when you changed the pads . Always a good idea. No definite experience just a few possibilities.

 

[ticex]

Mike....thanks for the very helpful reply! That sounds exactly what it is! I've checked, it only does it the once when you start reversing and if you stop then reverse again all is ok. I suspect it is possibly due to the fact that the mechanic that did the brake job fitted the cheapest Eurocarparts brake pads - not even the OEM ATE ones. I'll get them changed at the next service and check the clips etc... out in the meantime.

Thanks again for the very helpful advice!

 

[Dieselman]

As said before it's just the pads moving in the calliper.