Suspension Rattle/Brake Advice - 2 issues - Diesel Forum

MGX · 10-08-2004, 03:29 PM

Ever since getting my Revo's, I have noticed this rattle when I hit even a minor bump. At 10mph going over the expansion cuts in the parking garage, it sounds like a loose shock rattling. At speed, it sounds like the whole wheel is going to break loose. It seems to be more prevalent on the left side, but that could be an illusion. I have had this squeal that sounds like a wheel bearing or brakes, but the wheels rotate without any grinding noise or errent movements. Prior to getting the new tires, I did have a very prevalent shake when I got on the brakes too hard, but this has since greatly toned down even though I still get a rocking in the steering wheel when stopping at a light (we'll come back to this). I crawled under the truck with a rubber mallot but couldn't find anything. I checked the shock bolts & nuts (all were tight), checked caliper bolts (tight), braked pad rattle clips were in and tight, steering linkage was tight, and I even checked that the batteries were held down tight. The only thing was that I THOUGHT I noticed a bit of a rattle in the calipers...could worn pins do that? There is plenty of pad left. When I had the tires put on by an independant shop, they had no problem with me being in the shop. The mechanics seemed pretty knowledgable and answered a lot of my questions. One guy showed me my old tires and how evenly they had worn and said that indicated that the ball joints appeared to be good. So does anyone have any clues or what to go look for?

I know I need to do something about the "warped" rotors. While I would love to replace them with ART, or some kind of performance frozen rotor, the budget just says NO. So I need to go with some kind of standard component. So, question 2 is this; What would be a good choice. I heard NAPA is bad, NAPA is OK, Bendix is great etc., etc., and on and on. Also need clarification on which pads to get. I don't tow and 85% of my driving is interstate/rural highway with the rest mostly in town. Hope I have explained this well and my sig has the rest of the details. Thanks a lot guys!

krackum2 · 10-13-2004, 01:13 PM

Your description sounds exactly like my problem. I did trouble shooting from the brakes to the shocks, even removed shocks - still there, removed front sway bar (dealer said that was the problem) - still there. Finally, checked REAR swaybar and there were several very loose bolts and nuts - FIXED THE PROBLEM. I would have swore it was in the front left suspension area but that fixed the problem.

Check and see.

Just my 2 cents worth.

turbodave · 10-13-2004, 03:21 PM

As for your warped rotors, the best fix right away would be to get them "turned". BTW, the best way to turn them is ON the truck. Ford recommends this method as do the "better" brake shops. Usually averages $60-$90 and will erase the steering wheel wobble when using the brakes.

MGX · 10-14-2004, 06:51 PM

DING .. DING .. DING WE HAVE A WINNER....SORT OF! I took it in to a trusted independant. He found out that there is a TSB for loose brake pads causing a rattle (#01-4-9). Put in new pads with rattle kit, new rotors (my choice) and repacked the wheel bearings. It helped a little but the shudder was still there. He then noticed the front sway bar bushings were bad. Had to order them and it took a couple of days, but slapped them on tonight and the problem is solved!! Rides so much smoother and quieter. Think I may add a rear Helwig to the list now. I know that someone is going to ask, so the part # for the pad kit is PEAS1C3Z-2001-BA. It comes with new pads and he charged 122.32.