My SEL is making a metalic sound every time I hit a bump or a pot hole. I took it to the mechanic and he lifted the van and nothing seems bad. It was on my mind for a while until I took out the wheel and noticed that the Left Front caliper is loose. Not loose like in the sense of "Lets tight the screws" but it wabbles therefore when I hit a bum or a hole it makes the sound. When I hit a hole applying the break it will not make a sound.
Question:

1- Do I have to replace the caliper in order to correct the issue?

2- Is there a kit I can replace and correct this?

3- Is the caliper supposed to wabble without forcing it?

Thanks

Manny in NYC:smokin:

Sounds like the caliper is loose or when the brakes were replaced before the caliper bolts may have been stripped... Also check the caliper mount bracket to see if its loose... No the caliper should not wobble.. the pads on the outside part may.. I think the inner pads snapped into the calipers piston though. Also the outside pads seemed to snap in the notch part of the caliper mounting bracket. So I think you do have some type of problem... I just know my 2001 Windstar calipers are firm tight. No wobble at all.. only the pistons move.

I took the tire off and I started moving and shaking everything. All solid until I was going to change sitting positions and I was holding myself from the brake line (which I shouldnt have) and it made that sound. When I shook the caliper it was loose but the screws were tight. Is like is missing a bushing or a washer. Is there a kit that I could buy with all those small parts?

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying about your brakes ... but it frightens me a bit. Brakes are the most important system on your car. I would strongly suggest you get someone else, someone you recognize to be a bit of an "expert" to look at your brake concern with you. This person doesn't have to be a professional ... just a person with brake experience.

We all need expert help sometimes.

mannyjfk,

i concur with the posts here that you really need to get this fixed ASAP.

i have had my rotors turned in the past and so if I remember correctly, there are 2 sets of bolts. The first set keeps the calipers together so that when you brake, both sides push toward the middle. This set of bolts is not too large. The 2nd set of bolts are large and are on the inside of the rotors. These are very large bolts (if I remember I think it's either 14 mm or even larger and has a very high torque value). So you need to check that both sets of bolts are solid and good. if after checking these 4 bolts, you still have movement, I strongly recommend that you take them off and then re-tighen them.

SOLUTION:

I went to my mechanic and he took the brake caliper out and went piece by piece doing an inspection. We all concluded that whoever did the brake job before I got the Minivan did forgot to install the little metal piece that keeps the brake pad in place. Same part that make the squeaking noise when the pads are low therefore the pad was loose in the caliper making that metalic sound every time I hit a pothole. I went to Autozone and got the brake hardware kit ($8.99) and installed the little metal shims and the sound is gone.

Thanks to all for the advise and concern for my safety.

Manny G from NYC