Clicking noise only when braking

Tiny
DMCNANEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SC1
  • 89,999 MILES
Every time I go to use the brakes, the car makes a loud clicking noise. It's only on the driver's side front. I can feel a slight tapping on the pedal when it's pushed and the noise is made. It's ONLY made when braking. I was told that there is a crack in a disk that is on the axle. The approx. Cost for the part would be about 150, but when I look online that is not the case. Maybe I'm looking up the wrong part, I'm not sure. I'd really like to order the part as soon as possible.
Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 1:57 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
The persons that have referred to the rotor are talking about the brake totor. You can find one online for <$40. I would suggest replacing both front rotors and pads together. If the brake rotors have never been replaced, they are due for it and are going to be prone to cracking as they are to thin to dissipate heat.
Also, examine pad retention springs when replacing rotors as I have seen them installed wrong and break.
I say this because a crack large enough to make a clicking noise would be big enough that the rotor would break in half. Definately look into it ASAP. If you can't find a parts supplier through this site. Go to TheFind. Com.
You can easily find a pair of good quality rotors and pads to do both front brakes for $150. Maybe even the rears for a little more.
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Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
DMCNANEY
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  • 3 POSTS
I just had the front brakes completely replaced, probably around mid January, as well as brakes in the rear fairly recently.
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Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 2:52 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one I have seen brake pads click on that model saturn due to the opening at the ends of the pads where they slide into the brake hardware clips and slide back and forth being to wide. Allowing forward and backward movement of the pads. Just thought I would share that with you.
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Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 4:04 AM
Tiny
DMCNANEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, would I just need to get the brake clips tightened then?
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Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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If that was the case you would replce the pads with ones that had the correct tolerances. You never modify something to make up for poorly made parts.I recomend wagner pads I use the thermo quietes or the quick stop ones. They work well on the saturn cars I have never had anyone come back complaining using those pads. All my family and friends also my cars I have put those pads on.
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Monday, September 5th, 2011 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
I agree with saturntech. Aftermarket pads that are not well made are either designed poorly or they try to make something that will fit several models of vehicles to save money.
Go with brand he reccomends as they are a very high quality and not over-priced. They usually come with new shims, but getting the Anti-Sqeal to put on the back of the pad will ensure a quiet brake.
Thanks for the help saturntech! There is no shortage of specific expertise in the staff here.
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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome Drcranknwrench always glad to help out when I can. The wagner pads dont make a lot of noise on the saturn S models I have used them when I didnt use the factory pads and have had great results even on the saturn ion.
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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 AT 6:14 PM

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