Pop sound from left front

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bokuglen - 13 Jul 2005 03:37 GMT

I have a predictable noise coming from the front left side of my 97
Miata (82K miles). It happens after driving for a bit and then
applying the brakes. I notice it at low speeds, but perhaps just
because the general noise level is low. The sound is a single
metallic, dull 'pop' like hitting a piece of dense metal with a hammer.
Once it happens, pumping the brake on and off won't make it recur. You
have to speed up again, and then it can sound off once again when
braking. It sounds like it is coming from the left front wheel.

I took off the wheel and looked around but couldn't find anything
loose.

Suggestions???

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Chuck - 13 Jul 2005 04:33 GMT

It sounds like the front left caliper assembly and/or pads are "sticking".
I'd clean, and check for runout.
You might need a brake job as well at 82K.

>I have a predictable noise coming from the front left side of my 97
> Miata (82K miles). It happens after driving for a bit and then
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Suggestions???

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bokuglen - 14 Jul 2005 02:58 GMT

thanks, I'll take a look at the pins.

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Lanny Chambers - 13 Jul 2005 05:19 GMT

> I have a predictable noise coming from the front left side of my 97
> Miata (82K miles). It happens after driving for a bit and then
> applying the brakes.

Sticking caliper slider pin? They should be checked and lubed at every
oil change, disassembled and cleaned at every brake service or when
noisy.

---
Lanny Chambers
'94C, St. Louis
http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html

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KWS - 23 Jul 2005 16:39 GMT

I had a similar problem. Drove me crazy until I replaced the backing plates.
My guess is that the plates get an impression in them after a while. Then
the plate moves slightly under certain conditions (backing up?); the sound
you hear is the plate "snapping" back into the indented position.

Even if my theory isn't all that sound; changing the plates solved the
problem.

Ken

> > I have a predictable noise coming from the front left side of my 97
> > Miata (82K miles). It happens after driving for a bit and then
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> '94C, St. Louis
> http://www.hummingbirds.net/alignment.html

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