[ferocity02]

About 1.5 years ago I replaced the dusty OEM brake pads with Akebono along with ECS drilled/slotted rotors. I did not replace the rattle clips. Over time, the pads have developed a clunk when I apply the brakes.

It is worst/loudest when I go from reverse to forward, or vice versa. However it has gotten so bad that it will clunk nearly every time I apply the brakes.

I believe the sound is caused by the pads sliding back and forth in the calipers. Overtime they have gotten "looser" within the caliper leading to louder clunking and clunking more often.

Has anyone successfully cured this issue without buying new brake pads?

[///Mposter]

Use the red "brake quiet" they sell at autozone. It's a liquid that over 15 minutes turns to a rubberized medium that cushions the places that make contact.
If you are having issues with reverse and forward clunk then you need to apply some to the "hook" portions of the pad that hit the retainers.
You could also add them to the back of the pads liberally if you never added grease.

[cybermgm23]

how about replace the rattle clips?

[Needbmwpartzz]

Replace the clips.....also re-check the calliper bolts are tightened to carrier.

[Gohan335i7]

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[sea6speed]

Originally Posted by Needbmwpartzz

Replace the clips.....also re-check the calliper bolts are tightened to carrier.

Haha. I lost a caliper bolt on my e34, when the remaining bolt loosened up there was a lot more than a clunk!

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Mine used to do that in my E46 initially on reverse. No idea what caused it.

[ferocity02]

Thanks for the feedback. The issue is definitely the lose pads in the calipers. I can physically see them moving while someone else rocks the car back and forth. There is roughly a 1/16" of play. And it seems like it may be getting and greater as time goes on.

[robthewrench]

Others have complained about this exact issue with akebono pads. It appears the pad backing plate is undersized compared to the stock pad allowing the plate to shift and clunk in the caliper.

Some have said this has since been corrected by akebono. Your best bet is to change pads.

[ferocity02]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

Others have complained about this exact issue with akebono pads. It appears the pad backing plate is undersized compared to the stock pad allowing the plate to shift and clunk in the caliper.

Some have said this has since been corrected by akebono. Your best bet is to change pads.

Do you know when Akebono fixed it? I installed them roughly 1.5 years ago. I wonder if they would give me a free replacement.

EDIT: Found another thread with the same issue. Akebono sent them a free replacement but he still reported a slight clunk, although much less than before. Mine didn't clunk at all at first, but it's been getting worse and worse over time. He didn't have a recent update.

[ferocity02]

I just emailed Akebono to see what they say. If they offer a replacement set I'll take it. If not I'll try something else. Except for the clunk I love these pads and would prefer not to get rid of them.