hey guys. 98 4runner, 16" wheels, 5 spd., 4x4, 3rz.

i changed out front pads about 2 months ago. shortly after, i started getting a clunk/bang in the front end that you can feel through the brake pedal and under your feet when first stopping after changing direction.

i looked at the brakes, and all is in order. i just changed the sway bar bushings and an end link i snapped because they were in tough shape. i still have the sound.

here is the question:
last year i had a calliper replaced. when i changed out the pads this past time, i put in performance friction pads, but the passenger side did NOT have the shims behind the pads. could this cause a shift/bind in the pads that in turn would cause a clunk when they reseat?


okay...should i mention that it is not the ball joints? those were checked by a garage. all is tight.

 

just thought that i would post up and say that i have tracked it down to the peformance friction pads.

replaced them with the $15 valuecraft pads for trouble shooting purposes, and sure enough...the pf pads were actually on a smaller backing plate than the new ones. there is NO sounds or feelings anywhere with these new pads. i am off to return the pf pads and looks like i will be doing front brakes once a year (warranty).

 

Interseting post...I have had the same noise recently. It seems to be related to my brakes too but I am going to be doing the Tundra brake upgrade so I will see if that resolves the issue.

 

I have a similar problem and Toyota informed me that it is brake shift. I believe that it is the shims that are moving back in forth. Did you happen to put the glue stuff back on the shims when the pads were replaced?

 

the glue stuff? if you are referring to the brake grease, then yes. i did.

as i said, i am not sure if the original autozone i bought the pf pads from gave me the wrong ones or not, but... the new ones i have fixed the issue. what that means....???? i just know that the pf pads were the cause of the noise and pop in the pedal.