Brake Rattle?

Wesley Brown · May 21, 2009

So, now that summer is finally here and I'm driving more and more with the windows down, I realized that I'm getting some sort of slapping / rattling everytime I hit 1 of the 4000000 potholes in my town.

Initially I thought it could be the back rack that I have on, but no, I secured it so the entire truck moves when you try and shake that. I also thought that it might be the heat shield running between the exhaust and the body of the truck. This I haven't entirely ruled out, but I checked that out two nights ago and I don't think it would make the tone that I'm hearing or be as loud or as consistent.

Finally yesterday I was cruising down a hill with multiple pothole and it seems that the problem might be brake related as it ceased as I applied pressure to the brakes. Now I took a quick look behind the wheels yesterday, but didn't take them off, and I didn't see anything blatently obvious that could be making this noise.

Would anyone happen to have any insight into what this might be or what to potentially look for when I pull my wheels off this weekend to check it out further?

I can only describe this noise as everytime I hit any sharp impact (doesn't need to be large) I have something rattle. Quite possible the most frustrating noise ever. Sounds like you'd hear it driving next to an '80s beater, not an 06 2500HD

Sorry for the whole chapter, I thought it would be best to describe in as much detail as possible.

Stevens03 · May 21, 2009

What wheels do you have? I had a set of American racing wheels once that the center cap on them rattled when hitting bumps. Might not apply.. but it's 1 idea.

Possible shock absorber shield?

Warn pads... "floating" in the next to the rotors?

Just gonna have to pull the wheel and check things out

JoJoJim · May 21, 2009

So, now that summer is finally here and I'm driving more and more with the windows down, I realized that I'm getting some sort of slapping / rattling everytime I hit 1 of the 4000000 potholes in my town.

Initially I thought it could be the back rack that I have on, but no, I secured it so the entire truck moves when you try and shake that. I also thought that it might be the heat shield running between the exhaust and the body of the truck. This I haven't entirely ruled out, but I checked that out two nights ago and I don't think it would make the tone that I'm hearing or be as loud or as consistent.

Finally yesterday I was cruising down a hill with multiple pothole and it seems that the problem might be brake related as it ceased as I applied pressure to the brakes. Now I took a quick look behind the wheels yesterday, but didn't take them off, and I didn't see anything blatently obvious that could be making this noise.

Would anyone happen to have any insight into what this might be or what to potentially look for when I pull my wheels off this weekend to check it out further?

I can only describe this noise as everytime I hit any sharp impact (doesn't need to be large) I have something rattle. Quite possible the most frustrating noise ever. Sounds like you'd hear it driving next to an '80s beater, not an 06 2500HD

Sorry for the whole chapter, I thought it would be best to describe in as much detail as possible.

JoJoJim · May 21, 2009

So, now that summer is finally here and I'm driving more and more with the windows down, I realized that I'm getting some sort of slapping / rattling everytime I hit 1 of the 4000000 potholes in my town.

Initially I thought it could be the back rack that I have on, but no, I secured it so the entire truck moves when you try and shake that. I also thought that it might be the heat shield running between the exhaust and the body of the truck. This I haven't entirely ruled out, but I checked that out two nights ago and I don't think it would make the tone that I'm hearing or be as loud or as consistent.

Finally yesterday I was cruising down a hill with multiple pothole and it seems that the problem might be brake related as it ceased as I applied pressure to the brakes. Now I took a quick look behind the wheels yesterday, but didn't take them off, and I didn't see anything blatently obvious that could be making this noise.

Would anyone happen to have any insight into what this might be or what to potentially look for when I pull my wheels off this weekend to check it out further?

I can only describe this noise as everytime I hit any sharp impact (doesn't need to be large) I have something rattle. Quite possible the most frustrating noise ever. Sounds like you'd hear it driving next to an '80s beater, not an 06 2500HD

Sorry for the whole chapter, I thought it would be best to describe in as much detail as possible.

I have a 2001 2500HD that I purchased new and had what sounds like the same noise and looked for it for over a year. I believe there is a good possibility that is the little round spacers cushions located at either end of the leaf springs. For some reason once in awhile I have one come out. After replacing those the noise will probably go away.

Rog Man · May 23, 2009

I have the same truck and the exact problem!!

GM doesn't know or just won't tell me??

I took my front wheels off and i can actually grab onto the brake caliper mechanism and with enough force i can make the front caliper assy move a little and it makes what sounds like the exact same noise i hear when driving???

Otherwise i have no clue what it is but yer right , it drives me crazy when drivin with the window open.

If you figure it out PLEASE post your findings.

ss502gmc · May 23, 2009

I have had a similar noise for a month now and i was inspecting EVERYTHING and couldnt find the noise then i started shaking everything under the truck and it turns out its my idler arm thats worn quite bad. So maybe you could investigate that area if you have no luck with anything else.

cooperhd · May 23, 2009

my 2001 2500hd does this , im going out and gonna look,

Rog Man · May 23, 2009

I have had a similar noise for a month now and i was inspecting EVERYTHING and couldnt find the noise then i started shaking everything under the truck and it turns out its my idler arm thats worn quite bad. So maybe you could investigate that area if you have no luck with anything else.

For those of us a bit more mechanically challenged, what and where exactly is the idler arm?

jimjones · May 24, 2009

My truck made the same rattle until the parking brake grabbed and exploded .left that junk out cause it needs dust shields which rotted away, now no noise. That rattle had driven me nuts for years and the dealer could never figure it out. Funny without the brake shoes in the noise dissapeared

Wesley Brown · May 25, 2009

So, took a more detailed look at the problem this weekend. Turns out it's associated the the caliper. I believe the problem stems from the pins or clips. Now I wish I would take the time to inspect and repair this, but I'm pretty busy with having just taken possession of a new home so I think this one with get subbed out to my mechanic.

I have to pick and choose between carpentry and auto repair, and I know I'm far faster and better with the home repairs. Next time thought, next time (insert fist shaking here).

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...hl=brake+rattle

Just came across this, it's pretty much whats happening to me too.

Rog Man · July 9, 2009

Well I finally addressed this rattle problem and it was indeed the slider springs causing the pads to rattle and I still can't believe the racket they made!!!!

Between that and changing the intermediate steering shaft my front end on my 2500hd is nice and quiet!!!

And changing that shaft was super easy !!!!!

20 minutes and it was a done deal!!!!

Just had to unbolt the accelerator pedal assy and two bolts on the steering shaft and slick as pie !!!!

Came out no prob, new one went in no prob

GM quoted me 120 dollars plus gst if i supplied the part. My buddy is gettin a bottle of Gibson's Sterling which I will help him drink and he is more than happy with that.

Anywaze just wanted to update that it is a real easy job not like GM makes it out too be.

rangerpro1253 · August 3, 2009

i have the same rattle in my 2001 2500HD, are you guys talking about the rear brakes or front? i think its the rear parking brakes (drums) inside the discs on the rear. My steering shft to pretty tight but not to sure will go and look in a few.

DiggerHarrison · January 26, 2012

Hey, I own a 2001 gmc Sonoma. Way smaller truck. But sounds like the same problem. 1.) I noticed a comment about wheels and the center cap, not likely a cause, when you tighten your lug nuts the wheel pinches that cap down. If it is the problem you would still hear the noise when you were going down that hill. But to fix that just take the center cap out and bend the lip a little with needle nose pliers and when the wheel is tightened back down it will hold, quieting the rattle, your problem is more than likely the front calipers... Take the wheel off and see if the caliper slides in the direction of the rotor ( back and forth ) if it does, that's the rattle, it's not loud when you move it, but with the speed and weight of that truck, the noise increases. Hope this helps.