Hi All,

 

I've had a nasty clunking noise from the front disc/caliper/wheel area when applying the brakes in reverse ever since I bought my Z 18 months ago.

 

I've tried various things, tightening the front tie bars helped a bit but I still have a problem :-(

 

It's as though the calipers or pads are jolting when the brakes are applied (in reverse at low speed). Is this likely/possible??

 

Anyone else have a similar problem/suggest a cure?

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

RobH

Rob

 

...used to get this on braking systems with floating calipers but the ZX hasn't got floating calipers. So, in order. I'd check that your pads are a tightish fit into the calipers - could it be that you've got the wrong pads in there? I'd check that the calipers are bolted to the hub assembly tightly. I'd remove both calipers and disks, clean up where the disks mate with the hubs, clean up and re-set the pistons within the calipers. Try the left hand disk on the right hand side and vice-versa.

 

After that I'd move on to putting poly bushes in both tie rods, and replace the sway bar D bushes at the same time.

 

And there my knowledge stops. Hope it helps.

 

good luck

 

Jack

Hi RobH,

 

Get exactly the same thing and have done ever since owning my zed for the last 2 years. Have never been able to diagnose the reason for it, so I to would be interested to hear other views on how to resolve this.

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

Deano:)

Jack - I've had my suspicions about the pads being the wrong type. They were replaced (front pads only) for the MOT by the garage I bought it from. Not a good brand of pads - some make I'd never heard of...

 

I'm sure I'd have noticed if it clunked when I was test driving it (they replaced the pads after test drive and before MOT).

 

I reckon I'll try replacing them first. They're a bit knackered anyway thanks to vapourising them when flying at a roundabout ;-)

 

Cheers!

 

RobH

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?threadid=15149

 

Here is your answer...........;)

Rob.........just noticed it was you who asked the FIRST question! Did you check what Duff said?

Wheel bearings? Does the wheel move or clunk slighty when you wobble them?

OK - Deano, if you're reading I'm sure I know what it is now...

 

Checked the pads today (finally) either they're the wrong pads or just cheap sh*te. There is a small amount of cleareance between pad and caliper at eithr end of the pad. The holes in the pads through which the pins are inserted are oval rather than round - presume 'cos the pads are cheap sh*te and not up to the power and weight of the Z...

 

Apply brakes going forward - no probs as the pads are hard up against the caliper. Apply in reverse and they have enough play to wallop the back/top of the caliper :(

 

Going to replace front pads, hopefully next w/e cash and parts permitting. I've found a source for Ferodo 'track day' pads which are s'posed to be very good on the street - anyone got any views on these?

 

Cheers!

 

RobH

I'm getting this too, only started since poly tension rod bushes fitted. I'm going back tomorrow for an MOT and I'll see it they just need tightening a bit.

Dave

I think that's a different prob Dave. I had that one too after I'd had poly bushes fitted. Mechanics in general don't seem to comprehend how much torquing the tie bars need. You probably get more of a thump than a clunk and you'll probably feel it too...mine current clunk is simply annoying.

 

You literally need to put all your weight on a good long torque wrench to get em tight enough...Andy Duff'll tell you.

 

 

Cheers!

So are we saying the listed torque in the manual is insufficiant ?

 

Robin

I don't know if the standard listed torque is insufficient - I haven't got a decent torque wrench or done the maths, but if it's 'thumping' when the brakes are applied and the bolts through the bushes can be tightened more (generally as tight as Mr average can get with a decent sized wrench) then it will almost certainly solve the problem...

 

If you haven't got a problem then yours are tight enough - if you have there's a very good chance tightening will cure it.

 

Cheers!

Not so sure its the torque in the manual thats wrong tbh. The bolts come undone over time. Just had to redo mine after it picked up the ******* clunk again. Yes, if these bolts are lose then you will get a clunk on hard conering too. This time, it was the bolts that attach the bar to the wishbone. 1m breaker bar and a 17mm socket and all is good again. Takes some brute force though. Dave, if you wanna pop down one evenin I can have it sorted for you in 5 minutes ;)

 

I think the original nuts were 'clamped' at the back (if that makes sense) to lock them to the thread once tight. Once removed, refitted, they don't lock so good. Maybe its an idea to buy new nuts as well when replacing the tie rods? Whether this is the case or not, mine deffo came loose so......

Cheerz Andy - all sorted now m8 :D

Dave