Clunking and Dunking

[Diesel]

When I hit the brakes at lower speeds I notice a clunking/dunking noise from the front end. The calipers are new and I installed them. I didn't install the rubber band looking things that they came with because I didn't know where they went. Could those black band looking things be what is causing this brake clunking? Any particular 2wd front end bushings that usually need changing? I also get a noise when backing and turning the wheel all the way in a direction.

[Mark Nixon]

Did you install NEW caliper retainer clips when you did the front calipers?
Did you also bend the tabs on the outer pad so they hold the pad tight to the caliper?
Not doing either of these will definitely make things rattle around.
I got rubber bands in my last set of brake pads and I have absolutely NO CLUE what they are for, either.

Mark.

[oldestof11]

I replace 4 sets of caliper brackets on my front in 9 months time. I don't know what caused it but it definitely made a clunk/dunk noise.

I found NAPA lasted 4 month over Autozone/O'Reillys 2 weeks. Cost 2x as much but lasted longer.

[Mark Nixon]

Jon?
BRACKETS or the retainer clips?
The BRACKETS are what the caliper sits in, buddy.

Running rough roads all the time, it's no wonder the clips get all beat to hell and with the chintzy crap they are selling now, it's no wonder.
Interestingly enough, the set of retainers I just put on the 1 ton flatbed are touted to be "Made In America" and came from Retards, er, I mean "Advance".

Mark.

[Diesel]

Ok that explains one clunk. I never bent anything on the American made clips on the calipers. Could someone explain that?

The other sound comes in reverse with the wheel turned all the way. It sounds like rubbing but 235/85/16 tires are stock sized.

Then the final sound is going over bumps the front end driver side clunks. Could that be a swaybar bushing? Do the 2wd's typically wear out anything in the steering that could cause clunks? Tires seem to wear flat.

[Mark Nixon]

Ok that explains one clunk. I never bent anything on the American made clips on the calipers. Could someone explain that?

It's not the CLIPS you need to bend, it's the "ears" on the outside brake pad that slip through the caliper.
The last set of pads I did, 2 weeks ago, had an instruction sheet that explained the installation.

The other sound comes in reverse with the wheel turned all the way. It sounds like rubbing but 235/85/16 tires are stock sized.

Look for fresh rub spots from the tire(s) on the frame or suspension components.
They will usually be AHEAD of OR BEHIND, the wheel centerline.

Then the final sound is going over bumps the front end driver side clunks. Could that be a swaybar bushing? Do the 2wd's typically wear out anything in the steering that could cause clunks? Tires seem to wear flat.

Do the basics of checking for wear, look for missing bushings in the end links, broken or missing bolts, shock absorber top bushing worn out or missing? Lower shock mount bushing still there, or is it just rattling around in the hole?
Wheel bearings properly tightened?
Look any and everything over, SAFELY jackstand the thing up and wiggle, prod and twist anything that normally would move for steering or suspension.

Put a jack under the control arm and just LIGHTLY remove the pressure on the control arm, then bar the balljoints around looking for movement.

Another trick for telling if lower balljoint wear is SEVERE, is to drive the vehicle straight ahead to a firm place to jack it up, then have a friend jack the vehicle up from the middle, under the engine crossmember.
Watch closely and you may see the tires "scoot" inboard as they lose contact with the pavement.
If they DON'T actually slide sideways, the lower balljoints aren't terribly worn.
A little tire flex, even on tight joints, is normal.

Mark.

[oldestof11]

Yeah, I meant the clips. Long night.