Clank noise coming from driver's side over bumps

[nysimonsez]

I have an '04 4wd ltd. So I was driving with the windows down. I noticed that when I go over large bumps a loud clanking noise comes from the driver's side. It sounds like metal hitting metal. I don't know how long it's been happening since I can't hear it with the windows closed. I've had the tierods and brakes changed in the last two months and had the wheel alignment done. I also repacked the inner CV boots on both sides since they were both leaking.

So I went under the truck as I was doing the oil change and tried to see if something was loose. I checked the tierods, UCA, and LCA, end links, and sway bar. Everything seems tight. The only thing I noticed that was a bit loose from the driver's side is the round metal piece that the rubber boot from the larger end of the inner CV is connected to. When I shake on that round metal piece there's movement enough to make a knocking sound. the passenger side also moves but couldn't hear any knocking sound. I don't think that's the cause of the clank noise but can this be related?

When I was repacking the CV boot very little of the milky stuff came out from the driver's side. I guess most had leaked out after the clamp got loose. Is that a telltale sign that the CV needs changing? And is that DIY?

I know it's difficult to figure out what the clank noise may be without seeing the truck. I plan on bringing it to a mech this or next weekend to have a look so I figured I ask here in the meantime to give me some ideas of what else to check.

thanks

 

[djlandkpl]

Might be your skid plates. Check if the bolts are all there and tight.

 

[Rix]

See how much your brake pads move in your calipers too.
ESPECIALLY if they're aftermarket.

 

[nysimonsez]

thanks. I checked the skid plates and they seem to be held solid with no movements. However, I checked the driver's side brakes by lifting up the tire and turning it. I can see that the pads, guide pins, and the retaining pin all moves and when I turn the tire I can hear a clanking noise. Seems the pads are moving much more than they should. I changed them with new rotors a couple of months ago; used OEM pads and vented rotors. Coincidentally that's the side where I had a frozen caliper, which I changed it out with a reman one. But I just used the old shims. Can it be the shims are bad or something else wrong? What can cause the pads moving inside the caliper and how can i fix that?

thanks

 

[Doozi]

I think the pads do jiggle some. Try moving forward and reverse while tapping the brakes after you change direction and see if you can hear a similar sound. I thinks it's normal to have a slight amount of movement.

 

[Rix]

Thick grease on the edge of the pad backing plate to caliper contact area.
If you have aftermarket remans calipers, u might be s.o.l.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Try some green permatex silicone brake lubricant on the backs of the pads and the caliper pins.

 

[nysimonsez]

Ok. So I took a closer look at the brakes and it looks like the caliper guide pin is too thin that it has a lot of space between the pin and the holes in the caliper and brake pad hole. When I turn the tire I can see the pin sliding in its place and can slide all the way out if not for the clip on the other side of the pin. The anti-rattle spring on top also slide up and down when I turn the tire. I used the pin from the reman caliper, perhaps they gave me the wrong size pin? Would that be the probable cause for the noise? Anyway, I'm going to get replacement guide pins from autozone and replace it and see if it solves the problem. I'll put some grease on the pins also when I install thru the caliper and pads.

thanks.