Rattling under the car

[dannmarr]

Something is loose and rattles under the car while driving over rough roads. I narrowed it down to the brakes, but I can't find anything wrong with them. The calipers are tight and the brake pads are fine. Is there anything else I should check?

[dannmarr]

Did you check the brake pad shims?

[dcarrb]

How did you narrow it down to the brakes? A driveline/exhaust heat shield gets my vote.

dcb

[dannmarr]

The sound goes away with the brakes slightly being applied. Thanks for your response!

[Blacky]

Sounds like the caliper guides are worn on the front brakes. 2 out of 3 of my SVXs showed the same symptoms. I replaced the front calipers with rebuilt ones and the sound went away. You'll want to order a set that includes the brackets.
Is it a rattling sound especially over washboard or rapid small bumps in general?
If so, that's the ticket.

[dannmarr]

Over washboard and slightly imperfect roads. It's not a laud sound but annoying.

[dannmarr]

Found the problem! One of the brake pads detached from the backing plate. It stayed together because of 2 indents, but it wasn't bonded together anymore.

[Blacky]

Good to hear. Or actually not to hear.

[dannmarr]

The rattling came back. While installing new brakes and rotors, I noticed my front caliper boots were torn and one was barely moving while appying the brakes. I hope this is the problem I was hearing. I'm picking up a repair kit tomorrow.

[dannmarr]

Forget about the rebuild kit. My calipers are toast, front and rear. Seized pistons, seized pins, rusted throughout, torn boots, dirty contaminated fluid.
I replaced the calipers about 2 years ago. This is what happens when the car sits for a long time at the mechanics shop. Anyone have recommendations where to buy? Also, what is the best way to drain out the old brake fluid? Add as you drain?

[Blacky]

This is the best deal I've seen for fronts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271054013964...84.m1438.l2649

He has right side also. The rears are very common. These are a good price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Subaru-Legac...k_Parts_Access

[dannmarr]

Rockauto.com had the best deal. My local 'National Auto' matched their prices! It only took 1 day to get and the core charge was only $10 each.
I got all 4 calipers with the brackets for $186!

[Blacky]

Excellent deal.

[dannmarr]

Originally Posted by Blacky

Excellent deal.

Thanks for following this thread!

[dannmarr]

I primed and painted my new calipers and rotors. The rattling has gone away finally. I guess it was the calipers afterall. Thanks for all the responses.