Technical Loud clicking noise!

[capers626]

Hi to all,

I have a problem on my Uno, a 60 model dating from 1992 with 1108cc engine, SPI and CAT, perhaps best described as a loud clicking noise.

Basically, if I press the brake pedal on and off, but only when the car is moving, there is this clicking noise which is repeated. It's difficult to say if it is coming from inside the car or from the front o/s wheel and I've had other people do a test drive, with a different verdict each time!
I suspect it may be related to slight movement in the brake pads (anti rattle clips should already be in place though), or possibly a need for lubrication around the brake pedal linkage itself??
However, I'm open to anyone else's ideas on the cause and solution?

Ta very much,

Andy

 

[alexGS]

I think you should remove the front brake calipers - there should be a small clip attached to the end of each brake pad. Each clip is a 'P' shape with the straight part of the 'P' attached to the pad. I suspect that these clips are either flattened or missing. Therefore the brake pad is moving end-to-end in the caliper - you might also notice it as a clanking sound if you reverse.

Cheers,
-Alex

 

[capers626]

Thanks, Alex for the useful advice.
Do you think it would be possible to re-tension the clips if flattened or best to buy new ones (at minor cost)?

Cheers, Andy

 

[Chas Uno]

Thanks, Alex for the useful advice.
Do you think it would be possible to re-tension the clips if flattened or best to buy new ones (at minor cost)?

Cheers, Andy

Buy new ones, it's not worth messing around with worn originals. Plus if you bend them you might get the 'paperclip effect' - i.e. bending will weaken the metal and you risk it snapping.

Other possible causes for clicking:

1. Driveshaft outer CV joint. Try driving the car (at low speed) with the steering at maximum lock. If you get a clicking then you have a worn CV joint.

2. Check the caliper mounting bolts and also the hub to strut mounting bolts. If these are lose the play can cause a 'clicking' type sound , though if this is the case get them seen to immediately. The last thing you want is for the hub to come away from the strut

3. Lower track control arm ball joint worn. These wear over time and need replacing every few years. Check also for a split gaitor on the balljoint.

4. Check all mounting bolts for the o/s/f suspension and brakes. Also check that the flexi pipes aren't lose as these could be knocking on something under braking giving the noise you describe.

By a process of elimination you'll get to the root of the problem

 

[alexGS]

Thanks, Alex for the useful advice.
Do you think it would be possible to re-tension the clips if flattened or best to buy new ones (at minor cost)?

Cheers, Andy

I agree with what Chas said, since they cost pennies to replace. I expect a 'brakes' shop will be able to help if it's not easy to get them from a FIAT agent.

While you have the brakes apart, I would clean them and add some copper grease to the edges/backs of the pads. This is readily available - I actually use a different stuff these days that is a sort of orange goo that dries like a rubbery paint. Very long-lasting protection against squeals! It's either American or Australian, so may not be available for you.

I think Chas covered all the possible causes, though in my opinion some are a little unlikely (i.e. I haven't heard a bottom balljoint make a 'clicking' - more likely to be a knocking that you would feel in the ride over bumps and the steering becomes wayward too).

Hang on - there was one he didn't mention - the strut top mount includes a plastic 'hat' and a roller bearing. If the plastic has split apart/bearing is loose, that could click - though you would expect it to be related to the steering. i.e. to click while returning to the straight-ahead position.

The driveshaft joint could well be cracked or faulty and thus make the clicking even in the straight-ahead position. Especially the inside driveshaft joint (the one that lives in the gearbox) - it has three bearings that have many fine needle rollers. I suspect that if something was starting to go wrong and a few needle rollers escaped, that could make an odd clicking noise. Possibly something to check after you've exhausted the list from Chas

Start with the brakes though, they're important! And probably the easiest to do out of our list.

BTW I had an Uno where the inner driveshaft joint had totally disintegrated - one bearing 'ring' was still on, but the other two bearings were stubs, and ALL the needle rollers had gone. The effect wasn't so much a 'clicking' as a side-to-side wobbling while driving/thumping when slowing down/BANG on moving away from rest...!

-Alex

 

[capers626]

Hi to everyone,

Thanks to Alex and Chas for the advice and suggestions re curing the clicking noise.

Just to update the situation. I took my car into a local garage (rec by my bro in law) and first went out on a test drive. Unfortunately, the clicking temporarily vanished (like all the best faults it's an intermittent one!) but after removing the front o/s wheel it was discovered that one of the anti rattle clips was missing (on the n/s as well), allowing the pad to move end to end. New clips were fitted, no other probs noted (hoses/bolts checked etc).

A different fault was picked up re the bottom ball joints on both sides (witnessed bad enough to fail MOT due in about 6/7 weeks) so replaced both complete wishbone arms, after weighing up cost versus just new ball joints. This has considerably improved the steering and ride.

As soon as started driving the car the clicking reappeared (as before, only when pressing the brake pedal and in motion but not affected by changes in steering) so returned to garage and they have now at least heard what I'm describing. Taking car back in this coming Mon for further investigation.

Cheers, Andy

 

[alexGS]

Thanks for the update - good to hear the arms are replaced as they're a common failure and have a drastic effect on the steering/handling.

However I'm surprised that the clicking persists after fitting the missing brake pad clips - maybe the first check is that the new clips haven't disappeared...! Also might be worth checking that the pads are the right type (which you can only really do by buying new pads).

Keep us posted,
-Alex

 

[capers626]

Thanks Alex, I will keep you informed of developments- it's always good to get a second/more informed opinion about car problems on the forum.
For now though, I've had to divert my attention to a different and potentially more serious fault-see new thread 'Steering rack problem?'.

Cheers, Andy

 

[capers626]

Well, it seems the problem with the clicking noise as the brake pad moved end to end was caused by some of the anti rattle clips not being in place on the off side. I now have 4 clips fitted which matches the number on t'other side of the car. At least it didn't cost too much to fix!

Thanks to all who responded to my initial enquiry with advice or suggestions.

Cheers,
Andy