Squeaky Brakes & Knocking RESOLVED

[4uall]

I realize I may be opening a can of worms here I have recently put on new rotors, brake pads, Brake Pad Spring Kit (one on the bottom of each pad) and reconditioned the calipers I have been experiencing squeaking when braking at low speed (stop signs etc). Do you need to grease the outside of the pads? My front right is fine

[SunnySideUp]

Probably just need to break them in a bit by putting some stop-and-go miles on them. Mine squeaked for about 150 miles and then became squeak-free. Some mountain driving helped (I think!).

[4uall]

Hmmm looks like I have a lot more driving to do then. More highway, less stop & go noise.

[vandor]

There is some goop you can buy at auto parts stores to put between the pad and the caliper, that usually helps.
Some people bevel the leading edge with a 45 degree cut and that usually helps for a while.

[4uall]

I also have a knocking in the passenger side wheel. Took it all apart and could not pin point the issue Is there a left & right side for the steering knuckles?

[vandor]

The steering knuckles? The piece that connects the tierod end to the spindle?
Yes, they are side specific, and I don't think you could interchange them.

[4uall]

this piece

[giuliot60]

Mine have started to squeek a little when slowing down for stop signs etc. Similar to your scenario, but I think mine need replacing soon.

What kind of pads did you go with? I'm thinking ceramic (at least on the front) to help reduce the black dust on the front wheels.

Giulio

[4uall]

bump

[kilrwail]

Jay - The piece in your picture is the spindle, or hub or kingpin/stub axle (as Haynes calls it). The steering knuckle bolts to it. Yes, they are side-specific. I would have to take a wheel off to double-check, but I believe the longer ball joint receiver goes UP and the one in your picture would be off the right side.

Did you check the wheel bearings? A knocking or grinding sound could be a bad bearing. The brake squeal likely means you have hard pads and/or they haven't been bedded properly.

[vandor]

> Yes, they are side-specific.

I think only because of the thread on the end, otherwise they should be identical.

> but I believe the longer ball joint receiver goes UP

I'm 99% sure that's correct.

[131]

I haven't had to do it for a while, but I've had good results in the past by using nickle or copper based high temp antiseize compound to prevent brake squeal. Basically, on the back of the pads you can see where the piston contacts the pad backing plate, a light smear of antiseize where the piston rubs works well. Similarly on the opposite pad, a light smear where the pad contacts the caliper.

[4uall]

Thanks guys I think I may have put them on the wrong side in my stressful urge to just be done with my suspension issues I will try this week to swap and apply the brake lube. Does anyone know which direction the nuts should spin on each side(ie clockwise/counter clockwise)?

[131]

Does anyone know which direction the nuts should spin on each side(ie clockwise/counter clockwise)?

Which nuts? There aren't any LH threads on a 124 that I can recall, LF axle spindle maybe.

[narfire]

Jay. I recently replaced the hub on the front passenger side. To undo the nut I turned the wrench clockwise.
Chris