I posted this on the e36 message board and got back a few responses, but none seem to resolve the issue.
Car is a 95 , 325is w/ 81k mi. A rear "rattle" sound has developed, goes away when the brakes are engaged. The pads are fine 80- 90 % thickness left. I checked and R&R'd the calipers, noise went away for a while, but did return. Everything else seems tight. Did hear mention of the braking brake maybe the culprit, did pull up on the handle but noise still there. I was wondering if there is something in the calipers (rubber grommets) that may be worn out and the caliper is rattling on the carriage bolts?? Before I pull it apart again I was loooking for any other tips.
Thanks in advance
I have had this problem for the past 6 months. It has something to do with the brake pads, but I cant seem to figure it out either. My pads rattle side to side and I cant seem to make them stop. I am sure that yours do the same if you reach into the calipers and grab the little tabs and move them around.
I'm not 100 percent sure but it may be the rattle clips, They clip into the caliper and hold the pad in place. They are cheap metal and at 5-6 bucks each I would change them out on my car if I had your problem. No need to remove the caliper to take these off, just look at the second picture.
Here is a FAQ on brake work.http://hock.net/m-rear-brakes.php
They look like this
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/N106978361.JPG
http://hock.net/images/bmw/brake-clip-installation.jpg
These are not broken on my car. That was the first thing that I checked. Dont know what else it could be though.
what kinda pads did you use? sounds like loose pads to me
For your feedback. I also thought about the metal, spring loaded clips. Maybe they are just getting tired (they seem tight though). The brake pads are PBR, they have been on for about a 1.5 years. The calipers are designed to "float" on the carriage bolts. I'll probably pull the assy down again, clean the grommets, look for wear, etc. I'll replace the retaining clips and see waht happens
For your feedback. I also thought about the metal, spring loaded clips. Maybe they are just getting tired (they seem tight though). The brake pads are PBR, they have been on for about a 1.5 years. The calipers are designed to "float" on the carriage bolts. I'll probably pull the assy down again, clean the grommets, look for wear, etc. I'll replace the retaining clips and see waht happens
You just said it there, PBR. That's all I needed to know. I drove myself crazy when I first started using them, same thing in both a Volvo and my Benz. They are loose and will rattle by nature and will clank when you brake in reverse too.
Buy this stuff, paint it on the back of the pads, let it get sticky and it will bond the pads to the calipers. It should help and will stop squeaks too.
Been using PRB pads and this stuff for years with no squeaks or rattles. Problem solved.
http://www.mz3.net/articles/images/241-napa_crc.jpg
http://www.mz3.net/articles/241.html
I had the constant rattling from the rear of the car . The noise is caused by the pads compacting the metal on the large bracket that they slide into to locate them . To stop the noise , simply remove the brackets by undoing the two mounting bolts , low down behind the discs , and then paint them fairly heavily with any enamel paint . Refit when dry and bingo : silence . This solution has lasted me for three years with no recurrance . ( English thrift and ingenuity )
