Loud grinding noise under braking

[jeff351]

Was running an errand the other day and out of nowhere while coming to a stop, I heard a loud clunking/rough grinding noise. Sounded like I had some big rocks in the bed rolling around, but the bed is empty. Seems to be coming from the front end, I can feel the clunking through the brake pedal - pulled the wheels and nothing looks out of ordinary. Noise gets progressively louder the harder I apply the brakes.

1. Noise doesn't happen if I use the hand-brake, so that eliminates the rear brakes as culprit.
2. Rotors spin freely enough, calipers move as they should.
3. No signs of leaks at the axle.
4. If I wiggle the tires, the front u-joints don't show slop or signs of concern.
5. I have around 1500 miles after a complete rebuild, so nothing is old enough to be worn out. 

 

Ideas?

[Eagle_SX4]

Pull your brake pads out and check them over. You may have a rock or dirt stuck in the pads. Also pull your rotors and look on the inside surface make sure everything is nice and smooth.

[ThatJeepGuy]

Check the inside lip of your wheels? Is your caliper shifting and touching the inside wheel surface?

[jeff351]

Ha! Thanks for the advice...I went to pull the passengers side caliper off and noticed a missing bolt. That explains why it made such a racket...

 

 

[eaglescout526]

Yours made a racket? Dang. Mine didn’t make a sound. But sure as hell caused uneven wear on the pads. 

[jeff351]

i'm guessing the grinding noise is just severe pad vibration/oscillation from only having 1 bolt. Didnt notice it during my initial crawl-under yesterday. New bolt arrives tomorrow.  

[jeff351]

Put the new bolt in, and took for a test drive. Can confirm that was the problem. Probably the easiest fix I have had in a long time.