The 3000 Forum

I have a distinct click noise from front BJ8 disc brakes when they are applied, I find the holes in the pads are quite oversize compared with the hold in pin size (this slack or over size is what is causing the noise as they are applied) is this normal? I probably could centre punch the hole to reduce the diameter and maybe this will suffice . the pins and their holes in the calliper body were, as the pads were, replaced only a couple of thousand miles ago and are in excellent condition. Any thoughts? Saltiga

Trevor,

I've had the same click but I don't think it's about the pins. The pads slide into grooves in the caliper body and that groove is what locates the pads, not the pins. The pins are only to keep them from falling out the back side of the caliper, or sliding inward and rubbing on the disc hat.

Sounds to me like a normal phenomenon. Because the calipers are behind the axle, gravity causes the pads 'fall' to the lower side of the groove in the caliper. When you use the brakes, the pads grab the disc and are lifted to the upper side of the groove - making the click you hear. Due to manufacturing tolerances in both the caliper bodies and the pads, some sets are tighter than others but they all need a certain looseness to avoid binding/sticking.

I once had some rotors that had thick and thin areas (just a few thousandths variation) and, at very slow speeds like a parking lot, there would be a quiet rhythmic clicking as the tight/thick spot came around and lifted the pads and then the loose/thin spot came along and allowed the pads to fall, repeating with every tire rotation. The clicking went away if light braking was applied, because then the pads stayed 'up' in the groove - drove me nuts until I finally figured out what was happening.

Dave

Thanks Dave I .sat down last night and thought if the pins hold the pads the pressure applied would, if they had little play just bend. So had a good look at the load areas and found the top section is fairly worn causing excessive slop . You have hit the nail on the head as to the cause thanks . Looks like a new calliper could be the answer Saltiga

Trevor,

Are the pads moving freely in the calipers?

If the pads are sticking that might cause a clicking sound as they break away from the high point.

I've had my BT7 for 47 years and never had any problems with the brakes.

I always grind down the edges of new pads and lubricate them with a little high temp grease.

The pins have always been tight in the calipers.

Good luck,
Peter C.

Hello Peter. The pin holes in the pads I have are slotted to allow up and down movement, The pads themselves in the calliper and with the pins in slop around say a millimetre. I have centre punched the pin holes to reduce the pin hole size and also to hold the pads up so they cant as Dave says they "fall down" this now feels good, it has lifted the pads up so there is very little clearance between pad and calliper body in the position of rotation Have not tested on the road as yet , maybe today, many thanks Saltiga When you say "grind the edges of the pads" do you mean the leading edge?

No, not the leading edge but the top and bottom edges of the pads.
This helps prevent binding as they move in and away from the rotor.

I have road tested the front brakes and the clicking has disappeared . I bought the pads from the Healey Factory in Melbourne. From what Peter says there must be other brands of pads as his are firm on the pins , mine are slotted and sloppy. by centre punching the hole and lifting the pads in the upper limit this fixed the problem I would assume the pin holes as with Peters holds the pads much more firmer thus eliminating the excess slop/movement. Thanks for all your input. Saltiga

Peter, have you changed your calipers to the later version? On the original calipers on my BT7, the pins rest in notches behind the pads and don’t go through holes in the pads. I do have the click when I step on the brakes.

You have a good eye Rob.
I got those and the stub axles off a wrecked BJ8.
The axles are stronger and the calipers are bigger and they fit perfectly.