Hey guys, got a problem at the minute..

When after driving for like 20 minutes or so a knocking/pinging noise when braking from the front end, sourced it to the front left. So earlier I checked the front left caliper and there is A LOT of play on the bottom of it as if the bottom slider is moving, so when braking this should be whats causing the noise surely? I've tightened it as much as possible and its still got a lot of play, is the play normal?

To conclude, anyone encountered this problem? and whats the solution.. do I need a full new front left caliper?

Cheers guys

if some one else presses the brake is the pay still there ? or does it tighten down ?

Yeah the play tightens down, I then drove it after tightening it cause ive had problems with this bolt + slider before and had to get the slider re threaded  but the noise was still there. You can hear the exact pinging and clunking noise if you give the caliper a bit of a shake whilst the brakes aren't on.

i dont think id rethread brake component .... id always replace them 

You really need to do a full diagnostic of any brake issues and if you’re not confident leave it to a suitably qualified person. I assume that you are talking about a standard Fabia VRS Lucas 288mm front set-up?

 

If it was me looking at it, I would:

 

1 Remove the wheel, calliper from the carrier then remove the pads. Noting if the calliper is easily removed or very tight to the pistons (indicating a dragging or ceased piston) and inspecting the brake piston / gaiter for corrosion / damage etc. Inspect the disc / pads etc for wear / damage/ corrosion.

 

2 Check that the carrier is firmly bolted to the hub and there is not any play. If not, tighten / replace where necessary.

 

3 Check that that both slide pins move in and out of the carrier freely. They should move in and out with little resistance and they should be straight. The top slide pin might be a touch harder to move in and out as it has a rubber bush on the end and the bottom one is designed to move more easily. If they don’t move in and out, un-seize, clean / replace where necessary. Grease with silicone grease (don’t use any grease which contain mineral oil), refit and replace boots where necessary.

 

4 Due to the problems you have, it might be an idea to refit the calliper to the carrier without pads and to check that it tightens to the pins and moves in / out freely without any play in any other direction. If there is play you will need to trouble shoot the cause. 

 

5 Clean up the pads and anti-rattle clips where necessary and remove the calliper and refit the pads and calliper. Then refit the wheel.

 

6 While the car is on the axle stand, ensure the car is out of gear, spin the wheel and get someone to operate the brake peddle. Ensure that the brake stops the wheel and fully releases .

 

If you don’t find the problem using the above process, you could change the pads / clips and slide pins. I would agree with Holmesie, its probably not to best idea to rethread brake parts, just replace where required. It would also be worth checking the otherside, these things tend to happen in pairs.

 

It’s just as likely to be something other than a brake issue, have you checked your console bushes, anti roll bar bushes or suspension more generally?