Brakes

Omathisen · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 11:51 AM

Hi,
Got a "clunking" sound from the right front today, when I brake. Brakes seem to work fine, stops quickly in a straight line, fluid is fine, etc. But before I start taking things apart, does anybody have any idea what is causing the "clunk."
Thanks.

Have been driving my ERA 427 with a 351 for the past 10 years or so.

Maurice Butler · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 07:43 PM

ball joint ?

bobcowan · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2008, 08:15 PM

Could be almost anything in that area; Ball joint, tie rod end, loose shock, etc.

Omathisen · #4 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008, 11:55 AM

Thanks. I will look and post what I find.

Omathisen · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi,
Turns out the sound is coming from the brake pads that move and out in the caliper. The sideways movement to the rotor is OK, but they are also able to move the other direction -- up against a cotter pin, to make that clunking sound.
Did something fall off (a spacer or spring to keep them in) or is this a sign of wear?
The calipers are Sierra, but I cannot find the model number.
Also, how do you open them up? The two big bolts on the inside?
I do not know much about this, so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

strictlypersonl · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 03:54 PM

The Sierra calipers are the equivalent of Wilwood Superlites.

We usually use the 150-8856K (BP10) pads for street use.

As far as I know, there is no such thing as an anti-rattle plate for the pads but the anti-squeal insulator (Wilwood 300-8460) might help some, or use anti-squeal liquid between the pad and the piston.

Omathisen · #7 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 06:08 PM

Thanks.
But is there supposed to be enough room for them to move a little - to make that clunking sound? There is no squeal or squeak and the stopping power is phenomenal. I step (push) on the brake (no power and no power assist, but that is fine) and the car stops -- simple as that. (And when you step on other pedal - the one to the right, it is capable of going faster than I want to go. But enough of that. Back to the brakes.)

strictlypersonl · #8 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 06:40 PM

These are, at their essence, racing brakes. No provision was made to keep them from rattling. It might be that the aluminum that guides the pads is a bit worn, but some clearance is always there.

Pete Munroe · #9 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 08:45 PM

O,

I have the Wilwood Superlites and the pads will click upon speed change. Actually, I think they do at all 4 corners.

No squeal, although a friend with the same car, same brakes and pads always had a problem with squeal...probably related to surface finish on the rotors, I dunno.

Most noticeable at low speed.

My old 67' Corvette does the same thing.

The good news is the pads in the Wilwood and I think the Sierras have two locating retention pins so there is no real "rocking" of the pad.

At 13,000 miles, numerous track events no issue.

Pete

Pete Munroe · #10 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 08:51 PM

..........

Omathisen · #11 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 07:06 PM

For what it may be worth, I put a couple of photos on the Speak to Bob Putnam, ERA forum.

Omathisen · #12 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 07:46 PM

Hi,
My brake issue seems to be solved. The best I could tell is that my the "clunking sounds" came from the brakes, and once I installed new pads, the sound is gone. I got "soft" pads from Sierra Racing (Carson City, Nevada), which were the only pads they would sell for street use. Seems fine to me after a quick test run last night. FYI, Sierra (Ron Burdg, president) was a pleasure to deal with, helpful and efficient.
So for now, a happy driver.