Random Noise, trying to hunt it down

[bigred88]

I've been looking for this noise on and off for two years...

When I'm slowing down (usually idling under 10 mph), I get a metallic clicking that sounds like it's coming from the rear. If I apply the brakes, the noise goes away. If I let off the brakes, it starts back up.

It's never caused any problems, but I really don't like noises I can't explain. I've never really torn anything apart, not really knowing where to start looking with that. I've had the diff cover off to change fluid, everything looked fine in there. Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[NorCal_Chris]

Drum or disc rear? if drum Have you had the drum brakes off? Maybe a peice of something, broken spring etc bouncing around in there.

 

[bigred88]

Drum rears. I've taken the drums off, but never disassembled the whole setup. Nothing noticable that was loose.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Front brake pads can make a noise as you've explained if they don't fit tight on the caliper. There are some "fingers" that keep the pad attached and most all the time they need to be bent down so that the pad will attach tightly to the caliper. What generally can happen is while moving slowly the pads move and make this noise unless they are properly attached. I know it's hard to explain without a pic but i've had a clicking noise in the past (on 1/2, 3/4 ton stuff) and this cured the issue.

 

[91 Jimmy]

I have the same issue you described on my truck. I notice mine more when I am turning. Mine sounds like it is coming from the right rear.

 

[bigred88]

Front brake pads can make a noise as you've explained if they don't fit tight on the caliper. There are some "fingers" that keep the pad attached and most all the time they need to be bent down so that the pad will attach tightly to the caliper. What generally can happen is while moving slowly the pads move and make this noise unless they are properly attached. I know it's hard to explain without a pic but i've had a clicking noise in the past (on 1/2, 3/4 ton stuff) and this cured the issue.

Hmm... I have replaced the pads, thought I bent them down right, but it has been a while. I'll take a look.

 

[4X4HIGH]

A bad U-joint will also make a sqeaky noise that can be hard to find if you haven't heard that kind of noise before. A bad U-joint noise can travel through the driveshaft and make you think the noise is coming from somewhere other than where it really is coming from. I would recommend pulling the driveshaft and checking for a bad U-joint before going any further.

 

[bigred88]

Will do. Thanks for the help- got a few more places to look now.