Since I got the car about 5 months ago I have noticed an irritating rattle coming from somewhere under the car. I have checked the exhaust mountings etc - just about anything that can be checked and have found nothing loose or rubbing against else. The noise sounds just like a loose bolt or washer or something being shaken. Anyway having driven slowly over a particularly rough track I noticed when I touched the brakes the noise disappeared, only to start again when I took my foot off the brakes. Anybody got any ideas or is it just something I have to live with?

Should have mentioned 2004 1.2 model.

I think I would check that the anti-rattle shim / springs are fitted on the disc pads if it were my car.

Thanks for the suggestion - I know new discs and pads were fitted before I got the car - how do I check the anti rattle shim/springs and how would I know if they were the problem?

bobm said:

Thanks for the suggestion - I know new discs and pads were fitted before I got the car - how do I check the anti rattle shim/springs and how would I know if they were the problem?

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From what you say they probably wont be there... these things get proper nasty with time and mauling about, if the guy who changed the pads did it to sell he may have just left them out.

Okay, many thanks. At least if I know what is causing the noise I can then live with it rather than just being driven crazy trying to work out whats causing it!

bobm said:

Okay, many thanks. At least if I know what is causing the noise I can then live with it rather than just being driven crazy trying to work out whats causing it!

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Personally I would be inclined to fit them, otherwise you may get dirt and debris build up in the caliper causing uneven pad wear at best, poor braking at worst, all this assumes that may be what is wrong, I would check if I were you.

OK - but, in simple terms, how do I check them or, is it a trip to KwikFit?

Hi mate,

Do you have an 8v or 16v, as depending on which, you may not have them...

Alan

Hi Alan, its a 2004 8V.

Hi,. I have this as well, I reckon I have no shims on mine, does anybody know if it possible to get them as spares? I don't want to buy a whole new caliper.

Check the Heatshield that covers the Manifold - do it cold tho

The heatshields are know for the bolts rusting solid and the actual shield getting loose and breaking free

Ziggy

I have this problem on my Mk1. I couldn't see any problem and took it to a mechanic. He reckoned that there are cheap, ill-fitting brake pads fitted to the car. I bought a set of Ferrodo pads today to fit and I'm hoping that this solves the problem. He didn't seem to think that anything was missing.

As silly as it sounds... could be as simple as a loose bolt on a tyre (i just had this problem) retightend bolts on the front i thought it was the back, but was the front and now its stopped

Nope this is deffo the pads loose, I can hear them clinking when the brake is pressed, maybe it is just a fact that there is too much room as the discs need replaced. Are the discs an easy job on the MK2?

davy_b said:

Nope this is deffo the pads loose, I can hear them clinking when the brake is pressed, maybe it is just a fact that there is too much room as the discs need replaced. Are the discs an easy job on the MK2?

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the disc's will have a good grove if there ready for changing

as for the Changing - the caliper has to come off (not disconnected tho)
Just hang it with some rope

2 Locator lugs allows the disc to come free

new disc on - replace lugs

load Caliper with New Pads after putting the piston back in
Press brake pedal to pump the pistons into place and put the pads up against the disc's

repeat otherside!

And Drive very carefully As the brakes are ineffective on the first 100miles or so, they will need to be bedded in - so leave plenty of room - brake early - wait for them to settle

Ziggy