Rattling brake pad

[JHZR2]

I did pads and rotors on my 91 BMW 318i about 6 years ago. It was probably 50k miles ago.

The pads look like new, but Ive developed a rattle in the right rear that is attributed to the brakes.

It was a rattle that was noted only at low speeds on rough roads. I found that pressing the brake slightly made the sound never occur.

Everything is tight, shock mount is good, sound is the brake pad, like the clips that hold it in place have broken.

Recently it has started to make the rattle when I let off the brake pad when stopping but still slow-rolling.

Is this a safe condition? Stops great and no pull or anything. I can deal with some rattling so long as that is all Ill encounter. I can't see how it would shift or fall out.

But I dont want to be unsafe. The pads have lots of life left on them.

Thanks!

 

[Scorch]

I would pull the wheel and caliper and check it out, depending on how the pads are held in it may be as simple as a spring/clip that has come loose.

 

[mechtech2]

Could also be a sticky caliper.

 

[Oil Changer]

As a fellow motorist, I would want you to inspect and fix the problem.

 

[bladecutter]

This link might help you out with making sure everything looks good:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Brake_Pads/E36-Brake_Pads.htm

The important thing is to check out the anti-rattle clip to make sure it hasn't broken, or vanished.

BC.

 

[JHZR2]

I would assume it is the anti-rattle clip. That said, how important is it to be in there?

 

[ChiTDI]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I would assume it is the anti-rattle clip. That said, how important is it to be in there?


The rattle you can live with, but a piece of ice or snow in that opening may be different. Missing clip or a worn out one is easily rectified.
Check it out and let us know what it was.

 

[The Critic]

Usually brake pad rattles are caused by clips that are on the caliper mounting bracket, if your car's caliper design has those. Otherwise check the anti-rattle clips.