Last weekend I replaced the brake rotors and pads on a '96 Accord LX. Since then this is what's been happening:
The car is in park. I move it to D4. The first time I press the brakes, the front end goes clunk clunk then it doesn't do it again. Now, I put it in reverse. The first time i touch the brakes, the front end goes clunk clunk and then stops until I move it back into drive.

I've replaced the transmission fluid and the passenger's side CV halfshaft just to be sure, and it has not changed anything.

I'm thinking it's the pads smacking the rotors or something, but I really have no idea anymore.

Does anyone have a clue? Thanks

 

How long have you been having this problem? And does it only do it when you first get on the brakes?

Just curious cause I was having some brake issues with my 96, but I found out that was due to my master cylinder going out. But at one time, it was making a clunking type sound, but again, I found it was due to my axel being pretty much shot, even though that really has nothing to do with the brakes.

But anywho, so I replaced everything and havent had any problems yet! ;D


Modified by brooklynn at 2:36 PM 9/20/2008

 

Well about 6 months ago I replaced both axles because they were just worn. The problem I'm having now was non-existant until I installed the rotors. I banged on them pretty hard to get the hub off, and I'm hoping I didn't mess up anything inside the transmission.

And yes, it only happens when I first touch the brakes then it immediately goes away.

 

By the way, I triple checked all nuts and bolts related to the knuckle. They're all really tight and I replaced the cotter pins with new ones.

 

From your description I suspect the brake pads are shifting in the holder brackets.

To prove this you can cut a small piece of business card and stick it to the ends of the brake pad, where it rides in the bracket

Then test drive foward/reverse step on brakes at each change of direction to see if the noise is gone.

This was a common complaint in the 98+ as the designers opened up that clearance to keep pads from binding from thermal expansion.

 

Okay, I replaced the clips that go onto the caliper bracket, and it made no difference with the noise. It almost feels like its coming from the center of the car. I'm getting desparate now, does anyone have any more ideas?
thank you

 

I'm thinking it a stuck caliper. You added the brake lube?

Spray everything with Brake Cleaner and see what happens!