Brake and clunking issue?

Hello,

Sounds like you may have a mechanical issue with the master cylinder and/or the linkage that drives the plunger mechanism. I would get under the brake pedal and make sure there is nothing in the way of the pedal travel, holding it back or forward. And with your hand you could feel better if it is catching on anything during it's travel. If you've done all of this work, it seems like the remaining component would be the master cylinder itself. But there are other things to look for, so maybe you can consider these points:

- At a stop light or while idling with your foot on the brake, does the pedal gradually move towards the floor, or eventually reach the floor if you sit there long enough?
- Does the noise happen each and every time you hit the brake? Or only after driving for a while?

However, I know what you mean when there's a feeling like it gives out, but generally this is caused by air in the lines. Conversely if the master cylinder is not holding pressure it will also feel this way.

As for the suspension issue, I can tell you that it is not uncommon to have bad new parts. Especially for older cars, the new parts are usually 10 years old anyway. You may need to submit a separate question for the suspension issue so we can keep things organized here, but I would start with the basics: jack the vehicle up by the control arms and check for ball joint play and sway bar link play with a pry bar by leveraging the pry bar directly under the tire and watch for the wheel to move independently. A pry bar under the sway bar link will reveal if the ball joint socket as play in that area as well.

Please let us know,
William

So, the brakes feel tight and don't move when I have them pressed down, it feels like it brakes like it should and isn't gummy.

It also doesn't do it when the car is stopped. I've only had it happen while moving.

Hello,

Good to know. So, are you able to pinpoint the location of the noise? Like straight in front of you, to the left, right, behind etc. I'm still leaning towards a mechanical issue with the pedal, linkage, or master cylinder.

William

It sounds like it's coming from in front of me, but it's hard to be sure.

If the noise happens while stationary, I would at least use a stick or my hand to press the pedal and see if it is occurring behind the dash or at the master cylinder. You may need a helper to identify it outside of the vehicle.

Did you grease the caliper slide pins?
No bent shields?
Did you include the brake hardware / clips with the new pads?

Let us know,
William

So it only happens when i drive, it seems fine when still, I was sure to grease the pins, and I used everything that came with the pads. I didn't see any bent shields while I was down there.

Does this car have rear disc brakes? This must be a problem with the pads or calipers, here is how the system goes together so you can recheck the work that was done. Make sure the mounting bolts are tight and that the slides are free. Please go over this guide an check the instructions in the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/discover-why-automotive-brake-pads-wear-unevenly

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

It's only got front disks and has drums in the rear. I did it according to the official gm service manual and everything is tightened to spec.

Did it make the noise before you did the brake job? If not, then the brake job is to blame, are the pads loose in the caliper mounting bracket? Did you install the retainer clips? Check out the images (below). Please upload videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

So, the noise only started after, and continued after taking calipers and pads off to do the wheel bearings. The pads are tight when put on the car, but they don't use retaining clips, and the caliper itself Is a bit different. Over the last few days it's gotten quieter and happens less often now, so maybe the brakes wore down weird when I was driving it home with the brakes dragging?

Or I guess i should say it doesn't use traditional clips.

Did the brake pad kit come with the clips? It says it uses them, this will make strange clicking noises at times. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? that way I can tell for sure what's going on.