Front end sounds like a sack of nickels

[scrappy312]

I bought this vx last summer and I've slowly been getting it back to stock since the previous owner was just interested in modifications. I replaced the horrible suspension with stock parts out of a boneyard, and I've replaced all the bushings in the front end. I replaced the front brake pads a while back, and I've noticed alot of the rattling is coming from the pads which seem to be jiggling inside the calipers. How would I go about fixing that? I'm sure thats not all the noise thats coming from my front end, any ideas on what else it could be? Thanks

[jadziasman]

Might be warped rotors.

I have not had luck finding Chinese rotors that won't warp.

I've just decided to live with it until the current pads are worn out - which is about 20K more miles I suspect.

I will look for better quality rotors next time out and hope for the best.


As to your other front end noises - more detail is needed.

Do you hear these noises when braking only or going over bumps?

I've never heard any noises from my VX I would describe as a "sack of nickels" except when I had a bad bearing in the transmission. If you had a bad bearing you would hear it with the car stopped or moving and the clutch disengaged (pedal up). If you engage the clutch (pedal down) and the noise goes away, then yes you would have a bad tranny bearing (or two).

[GasSavers_TomO]

#14, #15, #23, and #24 are what you need to keep the brake pads from rattling around. You can buy them from your local auto parts store. They are called pad clips/anti-rattle clips/caliper clips. Don't go to the Stealership, they want $5 a piece for those, the auto store should have them for $5 for all 8 that you need.

I had the same thing happening to my VX with the pads, I'd describe it more as a wooden stick that sounds like it's banging on the front knuckle over ever little tiny bump in the road, it's annoying.

But if it truly sounds like nickels in a coffee can, then it could be a trans bearing, check that after you get those clips.

Hope this all helps.

[scrappy312]

Wow, visuals and everything. Very nice presentaion. Thanks man. Yeah, that looks like it could be my problem. Those clips are definitely not there. I'll clear that up straight away. We'll see what that does for the noise. I know it's not in my drivetrain, I'm fairly certain of that. It's completely isolated to when I'm going over bumps or rough road. On brakes, it's mostly gone (due to the pads not jiggling), off the brakes and you get the sack of nickels sound. Aside from the noise, though, I just get an overall feeling of something amiss in my front end. It just doesn't feel solid on uneven terrain. Flat, dry roads and the car feels fine. I've replaced tie rod ends, and ball joints appear fine. I'm just not sure how to proceed.

[want2buyVX]

Trans Bearing ?

Even if you did multiple drain/refills with MTF would the trans bearing still wear out ?

[R.I.D.E.]

Once a bearing looses the smooth surface of the race and the balls get pitted, no amount of fluid will help.

regards
gary

[Ford Man]

Have you checked the front wheel bearings? Any grinding or popping noises?