Brake sounds after new pads rotors and calipers

[Drunk32]

I have a 98 Ford Escort 2.0 with 168xxx miles on it. Today I replaced the brake calipers the brake pads and the break rotors. I gave everything a good cleaning with brake spray. The calipers came pre lubed. I put synthetic lube on the back of the pads. I have all new slides and pins. Everything is down right and nothing it loose. After I put it all back together and took it on a test drive I noticed a grinding/ poping sound. I only hear it when I am slowly slowing down. If I really press on the brakes then I hear no sound. It doesn’t make any sound when I’m driving. It didn’t make any sound before the new stuff. After my test drive my brakes smoked a little but I figured that’s just some left over brake fluid or oil and grease from my hands. I have done a bunch of brake jobs and a lot on this car. I have never ran into this before. Any one else had this? Or have any ideas?

Topic

[Dave]

It would help if you could post a video with the sound

[richiepearce]

First when replacing or working on the brake pads/rotors it is imperative to ensure all traces of oil and grease are removed using suitable brake cleaner. Brake fluid will contaminate the friction material on pads and shoes.
I would be double and triple checking the work you have done, I have seen pads put in back to front, flexi hoses twisted so the brakes don’t release therefore generate heat.

Are the splash plates bent slightly and rubbing on the rotors?
Lots of possible answers, pics or video will be a great help in solving this.

[Walter Cheryba]

A couple of thoughts for ya. Possibly you installed one of the pads inside out, I’ve done lots of brake jobs too but I’m guilty on this one-have done it! Are the pads too loose where they drop into the mounts/holders? On this design if they can walk around too much they will make a lot of odd noise. The popping noise you describe really sounds to me like pad movement or a loose caliper-something is moving somewhere that should be secure. Be patient and just go back and look over the whole job in detail. If it is that noisy it should be fairly easy to diagnose. Let us know how you make out!

[Bill]

I agree with sunset. There are shims to be installed at the top or bottom of the pads to keep them snug in the caliper.

[Drunk32]

I followed the sound the the passenger side
checked everything, took the caliper apart and then put it all back together and it still was making that sound. I figured that it has to be one of the new parts. Swaped the sides that the rotors were on. The sound followed the one that started on the passenger side. Moved them back and put the old one on and took it for a test drive and then the sound was gone. There must be a high point or something on it. im going to have auto zone swap them out tomrrow.
Thanks for all the help!!

[Author]

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