Alero Goes...pop!

[mdodge]

Ok, really need some experts advice..Mfuller, bdyman...etc. I've had this problem for a while and 3 mechs can't seem to give me an answer.

I'm getting a popping type noise when I brake. It borders on a ticking sound but more like a pop. I have powerslot rotors. Sound is coming from the front passenger side. It happens when I brake at low speeds. If I brake hard, the sound goes away. It almost sounds like there is something caught in the rotors slots and is scraping the pad but I have had the rotors and pads inspected a million times. I don't feel any vibration when braking, just hear the noise. Also, I don't know if it is related but if I park the car, center the steering wheel, and move the wheel back and forth a little, I hear and feel a pop. I have just had all 4 struts and strut mounts replaced, and that didn't solve that noise.

If anyone can help, it would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

[FormulaNERD]

put drilled rotors on yesterday, same exact problem here, btu more of a quiet tick than a pop. again, only at low speed.

[bdyman]

poping noise huh....well first comes to mind would be bad ball joints
if your saying the car is parked and turn the wheel each way the pop comes i am thinking ball joints

[mfuller]

I doubt it has anything to do with your struts. Since you hear it when braking, I'd check the piston seals on your front brake caliper for any contamination; that would produce a popping/creaking noise. Since it also happens when steering, also have your tie rod ends checked for excessive play/wear.

[jabartram]

when i replaced my springs and struts they popped at low speed turning and stopped turning for the first month?

[SouthDakotAlero]

I have the exact same popping noise when braking at low speeds and my suspension and brakes are all still stock. Still don't know what is causing it.

[mdodge]

I've checked and doubled check my tie rods and they have no play so I don't think it's them. Ball joints sounds like a good possibility. As with the caliper seals, will have those checked specifically. Thanks bdyman, mfuller and others, you guys rock! :thumbsup:

[smokinAMD]

Definantly ball joint. My car did the exact same thing untill I had it replaced about 2 weeks ago. Then I broke the brand new ball joint later that night when I hit a deer.

[mdodge]

Would the ball joint cause the braking noise? I would think the caliper would be more likely since the brakes and rotors are good.

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by mdodgealero@Sep 26 2004, 09:41 PM
Would the ball joint cause the braking noise? I would think the caliper would be more likely since the brakes and rotors are good.
Weight shifts to the front under braking, so your putting stress on the ball joint and thats whats making the noise under braking more then likely.

[FormulaNERD]

yea, and if you brake harder it would put more stress and cause a louder noise?

i think it's more of a caliper problem, or the pads just catching on a slot

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by FormulaNERD@Sep 26 2004, 09:54 PM
yea, and if you brake harder it would put more stress and cause a louder noise?

i think it's more of a caliper problem, or the pads just catching on a slot
If you brake hard enough, the ball joint flexes down all the way so it doesn't have any more play in it, and thus, can't pop no more.

It sounds like his is messed up in the same part mine was. I braked hard, nothing, braked normaly. *POP POP POP*

[mdodge]

Interesting. I didn't think of it that way. I guess to find out for sure, I need to have the ball joints and calipers checked thoroughly. I'll find out and let you know.

Thanks guys.

[mobs241]

ok certifed tech.... it sounds like either a. a seal in your pison of your caliper got contaiminated which is very highly unlikely or
b. what brent said about ball joint
and yes forumla under braking your ball joints are under a lot more stress...