Popping Noise when Braking
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Popping Noises
If you recently had your LCA Bushings changed or had the bolts loosened and/or removed and you are getting a popping sounds when coming to a stop or when stopping in reverse I have narrowed this sound down to the LCA bolts not being tightened. They required quite a bit of tightening (possibly with an impact wrench) or a torque bar.
This sound is from your LCAs moving forward and backwards as you stop and go. If they are not VERY TIGHT they will gradually move backwards as you drive or come to a stop and POP forward when you stop as your backing up or turning.
I am posting this because there are ALOT of people that have asked this question and very few real answers have come out.
Many people think that the popping sound is coming from their Brake pads shifting.
Here is a way to distinguish between the two sounds.
-Brake Pad Shifting sorta sounds like Tapping a nail head against concrete
-LCA (or subframe) Popping sounds like tapping a metal hammer against concrete.
The Bolts that go through the Control Arm Bushings (Circled in Yellow) are what need to be VERY tight. VERY VERY tight! I mean Super Tight!
This sound is from your LCAs moving forward and backwards as you stop and go. If they are not VERY TIGHT they will gradually move backwards as you drive or come to a stop and POP forward when you stop as your backing up or turning.
I am posting this because there are ALOT of people that have asked this question and very few real answers have come out.
Many people think that the popping sound is coming from their Brake pads shifting.
Here is a way to distinguish between the two sounds.
-Brake Pad Shifting sorta sounds like Tapping a nail head against concrete
-LCA (or subframe) Popping sounds like tapping a metal hammer against concrete.
The Bolts that go through the Control Arm Bushings (Circled in Yellow) are what need to be VERY tight. VERY VERY tight! I mean Super Tight!
Last edited by IronCobra; Jan 29, 2006 at 08:11 PM. Reason: Changed
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Originally Posted by TurboTeg
good post.
I recently installed new supra TT LCA's and the popping/knocking is slowling coming back.
Gotta be loose bolts.
I recently installed new supra TT LCA's and the popping/knocking is slowling coming back.
Gotta be loose bolts.
mite wanna also double check to see the subframe bolts are tightened as well. I had the usual clunkin/poppin noise, so i replaced the bushings, it was still there. So i had my mechanic tighten every possible bolt and found the subframe mount bolts to slightly loose, after tightening it made a big difference, no more sound and the front felt tighter in steering.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Originally Posted by IS0LD0UT
any pics of these bolts. I had originally thought my poping noise was due to the brake pads? Not true?
-Brake Pad Shifting sorta sounds like Tapping a nail against concrete
-LCA (or subframe) Popping sounds like tapping a hammer against concrete.
One other clunking that I experienced was a loose caliper bolt.
I was getting clunking when braking, and over bumps. It turns out one of the two caliper bolts had come loose slightly and was causing the caliper to shift. I fixed that but now my clunking is coming back slowing, louder each week but just over bumps.
I'm going to get under there and torque every bolt I can reach.
I was getting clunking when braking, and over bumps. It turns out one of the two caliper bolts had come loose slightly and was causing the caliper to shift. I fixed that but now my clunking is coming back slowing, louder each week but just over bumps.
I'm going to get under there and torque every bolt I can reach.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: NY
thanx for the info
I just purchased a beautiful 00' GS300.
I noticed that I was getting a plinking sounds every once in a while. I would get it EVERYTIME when I stopped the car and put it in Reverse and then stop "PLINK!" As if someone had hit my caliper with a hammer dead on the flat surface.
I thought that maybe the pads and the spacers were worn out and creating play within the brake pad slot, but from reading all the posts I think I am wrong and will check the those bolts that you mentioned.
Will let you know the results once I get around to it.
Thanx again
LexGS
I noticed that I was getting a plinking sounds every once in a while. I would get it EVERYTIME when I stopped the car and put it in Reverse and then stop "PLINK!" As if someone had hit my caliper with a hammer dead on the flat surface.
I thought that maybe the pads and the spacers were worn out and creating play within the brake pad slot, but from reading all the posts I think I am wrong and will check the those bolts that you mentioned.
Will let you know the results once I get around to it.
Thanx again
LexGS
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Originally Posted by SharpCreas
I wonder this is something that you have to do every so often. The bolts never stay tight?
Even though this is probably the problem, while the car is in the air be sure to have ALL the chassy bolts tightened.
I discovered what my loose suspension was this time. The drivers side lower sway bar linkage nut had worked its way loose. I tightened it up and tight as possible and no more noises.
Lesson: Torque every bolt/nut to spec !
Lesson: Torque every bolt/nut to spec !
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 879
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
I know this is a little old, but I had the same problem awhile back and it was also my caliper bolt. I guess sometimes you may think they are tight, but the braking either pops the caliper out and lets you tighten more or something. Anyways, tightened it back up and haven't had the problem since.