Front brake makes popping noise

[MillerTime1306]

I have a 94 Ranger and occasionally when I hit the brakes I hear a single pop noise in the front left wheel and I feel it in the pedal. It happens during fast or slow stops, but not all the time. I took both front wheels off and I havent been able to find anything. Please help!!

 

[Loanranger]

Sounds like a sticky caliper.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

could also be missing/bent/weak anti rattle clips. mine disappeared into the dark place last time i had the rotors off, so when i hit the whoa pedal, the brake pads shift forward and hit the caliper bracket....its very annoying.

 

[rscott69]

I had the same thing happen a few months back. turns out, it wasn't my breaks at all, it was my control arm bushing. mine started out popping when i applied the breaks, then gradually got worse and popped when i hit bumps until it popped for no reason. the bushing was cracked. you might check both sides for cracks or damage. you should be able to see it fairly easy looking through the fender well.

 

[Yellowsplash]

You dont have a control arm, but rather a radius arm. But yea, It is quite common for it to make clunking noises when they need replaced. If the bushing has been bad for too long, the radius arm can actually damage the brackets too. The local parts store (advance) should have both in stock.

 

[rscott69]

radius arm, my bad. i always get them confused.

 

[MillerTime1306]

I replaced my radius arm bushings a week ago but the noise started about 6 months ago, went away, and came back about 2 weeks ago, still made it after I replaced the bushings, but as of 3 days ago the popping is gone and I keep hearing a noise like something is in my tire (there isnt) but if Im right it may be something in my front wheel bearing thats doing that.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

a wheel bearing doesnt last long with unwelcomed objects in it. a more likely cause would be a bad hub.