Knocking noise from front end

[jh_97]

Had new front brake pads fitted on Saturday and probably drove 15 miles over the weekend and all ok. On my way to work this morning however I noticed a knocking/clunking sound coming from the front of the car somewhere every time there's a bump in the road. It sounds like going over a loose manhole cover, or two muffled dinner plates knocking together. At lunch, found that the two front locking wheel nuts were a bit loose with the wrench in the toolkit, so tightened those up a bit. Knocking is still there though but I can't see anything else looking untoward. Any suggestions on stuff I could look for before I take it back to the garage? Brake calipers feel secure so could be the pins or pads themselves rattling?

Thanks!

[madstaff]

VW pads or aftermarket??

Im gonna guess the pads are moving in the carrier.

Try reversing slowly and gently braking to a stop, then drive forward and brake, is the noise happening then??

[Finglonga]

Re torque ALL the wheel bolts. If it continues the caliper sliders may not have been tightened properly.

[jh_97]

Thanks for the replies. They're aftermarket pads. Nothing when maneuvering, purely just over bumps. Garage said it might be the shims, but seems like it could also be pad movement or sliders. Thankfully have a slot today to get it fixed

[jh_97]

Apparently it's nothing to do with the brakes, they reckon it's suspension related or an engine mount or something. That said, it's not happening quite as often since they checked it... Any ideas if suspension related? Haven't been over any potholes etc and just under 40k miles, so would hope it isn't suspension related

[jh_97]

Lower ball joint perhaps after more searching on YouTube?

[Richyharrison04]

Front suspension bushes. Really common. Mine are being replaced next week, exactly the same symptom. Drop links are worth checking too, and strut top mounts.

[jh_97]

Thanks. I did have a good look under the car at as much suspension as I could, couldn't find anything loose. Checked the brake pads again and I could move one of the inner pads. So took it back to the garage who then said they've fitted the wrong pads, the metal clip at the top and bottom of each pad is too small so isn't holding the pads in place correctly, causing them to rattle against the caliper when driving...... 

[Richyharrison04]

Finally had my TCR sorted with this issue. Front bump stops and top mounts replaced, one drop link, one tie rod. Car drives like new now.

[EB2019]

Thanks. I did have a good look under the car at as much suspension as I could, couldn't find anything loose. Checked the brake pads again and I could move one of the inner pads. So took it back to the garage who then said they've fitted the wrong pads, the metal clip at the top and bottom of each pad is too small so isn't holding the pads in place correctly, causing them to rattle against the caliper when driving...... 

Curious to know what brand of pads they fitted.

Unless the owners of the garage are related to you I would look for a better garage, they fitted them, then checked them and sent you on your way again, then looked properly once you found the problem and discovered they were the wrong pads. That wouldn't give me a lot of confidence