Rotating ticking sound

Tiny
HBNYSTAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
Had front wheel bearings replaced. Now, the left front has a rotating ticking sound that increases with speed and disappears when braking.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 9th, 2017 AT 10:52 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,699 POSTS
Most commonly this is caused by a combination of things. A warped rotor will cause the caliper to slide back and forth on its mount once per wheel revolution. Grooves worn into the mounting surface the pads rest on cause them to click as they slide back and forth. Those grooves are caused by wear when the spacial brake grease is not used during a routine brake job, mostly by do-it-yourselfers. The clicking can occur only during brake application or it can stop occurring only during application. Both are solved by replacing or machining the rotors, and addressing the worn areas on the mounts.

There are other potential causes of a clicking noise, but they are usually not affected by applying the brakes. The splash shield behind the rotor can be bent and rubbing on the rotor. A wheel weight can rub against the lower spring plate on a strut. The crimp on the band on an outer CV joint can hit against the spindle, but that will usually wear down in time.

Rear brakes make clicking noises too when the drum is egg-shaped. That makes the shoes slide back and forth which can cause a clicking or a squeaking noise.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, February 9th, 2017 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
HBNYSTAR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you very much for the recommendations and assistance. I will review with my service manager and see if this rectifies the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, February 10th, 2017 AT 7:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
Hey HBNYSTAR,

I would also check the wheel lugs to make sure they are tight.

Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 13th, 2017 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
HBNYSTAR
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I had new front brake pads installed which included machining rotors. Clicking noise is gone.
Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 13th, 2017 AT 10:46 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,699 POSTS
Dandy. Happy to hear it's solved.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 13th, 2017 AT 10:50 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links