Hi all...


Well, since the van had been doing good - it is time to get picky


I have a slight clunk that ONLY happens when I first put on the brakes from a fresh start.
It sounds like to me that the front RH caliper sticks. So when I first press the brakes I hear a clunk from what seems to be the caliper area. Then it goes away. I can drive 300 miles all the way to Jacksonville and it will not clunk at all after dozens of braking sessions. It only does after the van has been stopped for a while and then after the start - the first time the brake is applied...
It is a little strange. I have replaced the pads and mounting hardware. Could it be the swaybar? I am thinking the caliper is getting stuck...


Any other suggestions Thanks!

 

The front brake pads are known to move around and make noise on these vans. I installed the "advanced technology" premium Raybestos pads and noise clips in December along with their anti-drag clips and they are a lot better than the Monroe pads I'd used previously.

RAYBESTOS Part # ATD75M
Anti drag clips H6015

 

Are the upper ball joints original?

 

no I replaced the arm and BJs about a year ago...


think it could be bad already? I did use Dorman

 

Only if you forgot to grease it. I know, perish the thought.

 

Nope


Ive greased them when I first put them on and three times since then

 

Strut rod bushing?

 

A reasonable guess but in this case I know he's already replaced them and the symptoms are different.

Its been my experience that when the strut rod bushings get loose/worn out they make a clunking or snapping sound during parking lot manuevers (e.g. slow reversing while turning). But are silent during normal stoplight to stoplight driving. Also the strut rod bushings will get looser every day so the noise gets a lot louder if you try to ignore it for a few weeks.

 

Well - I think you are right..
I greased the upper again and it went away. A couple of days now, it is back.

Sounds like I, like a lot of others, just got a crap part...

I will replace it this weekend - the question is:

The socket for the upper ball joint...where can you rent it? Or I see them on ebay for a whopping 38 bucks! And then it is 3/4 drive ...

Can another socket be used?

Thanks

 

The only place I've ever found it is in a kit for rent over at Advance Auto.