LX470 Front Brakes Question

[geanes]

No one seems to have a clear, definitive answer for this: front left brake on my 1998 LX470 rattles like crazy. It rattles over ever single bump unless I've depressed the brake pedal. Now, here's the question...and I've gotten different answers thru google, forum search, the local LC specialist and the Toyota dealer.....does my brake need the brake pad spring...the device that maintains outward pressure on the pads? I've seen a weird "cross" shaped one with a hook on one end and another where it's a "w" shaped spring. For the life of me I can't find the definitive answer as to which is needed and local assets have been 0 help.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

One spring holds the pins in, the other is an anti-rattle one. You definitely need the one for the pins and if you've got a rattle and don't have the "w" looking one, get one, they're cheap, see if it solves your rattle.

 

[uHu]

fwiw, I got the napa W-spring, and it doesn't fit. It's a "bend to fit at installation" type fit, so it doesn't work as well as the OE version.

btw, there's also a backing plate for each pad, which clips the pad firmly into the caliper pistons, and with another spring-clip along one edge to attach it to the pad itself. And an anti-sqeal shim between pad and backing plate.

 

[geanes]

Thanks for the responses. BTW, my front brakes do not have any signs of an anti-rattle clip being present.

 

[nissanh]

I didn't have the anti rattle spring on one of the front calipers until yesterday and I never had a rattling noise ( did the brakes with OEM pads yesterday). Get the front caliper hardware kit, it is about $10 at rockauto.

How are the caliper bolts? Are those tight? Are the brake pads OEM? How much gap do you see between the pad and the body of the caliper (top)? How about a picture?

 

[ItGoesTo11]

What is the proper location for the "W" spring clip? Does it sit under the top pin, or the bottom pin?

 

[uHu]

Bottom.

 

[ItGoesTo11]

Bottom.

Is there a reason for the specific position? It appears it can fit in either location...

 

[cwmoser]

This shows the springs in mine:

 

[LXFAM]

Are your pads wearing correctly? Can you snap a picture? Its possible the slider pins need to be cleaned and greased. If your hardware (clips, retainer clip, hooks etc) is bad, PM me i have an extra set i can send over.

 

[uHu]

Is there a reason for the specific position? It appears it can fit in either location...

No idea. I've seen them only at bottom. You try them on top and report back.

 

[ItGoesTo11]

No idea. I've seen them only at bottom. You try them on top and report back.

Ok, I put them in the top position. The reason for doing so is it's how I recall how the vehicle came from the factory. (I'm the original owner of this 1999 LX470!) So far after several hundred miles it doesn't seem to make any noticeable difference. And, the spring pressure looks to be in the middle-ish area of the pad, regardless of how you install the springs, top or bottom. (see picture a few posts above) So, I'll leave them there in the absence of any other guidance.

 

[cwmoser]

Ok, I put them in the top position. The reason for doing so is it's how I recall how the vehicle came from the factory. (I'm the original owner of this 1999 LX470!) So far after several hundred miles it doesn't seem to make any noticeable difference. And, the spring pressure looks to be in the middle-ish area of the pad, regardless of how you install the springs, top or bottom. (see picture a few posts above) So, I'll leave them there in the absence of any other guidance.

My Brake Pads came with new springs.
Fortunately I saved the old parts.
I'm thinking the next time I pull the wheels to put the old springs in the top position, leaving the new springs at the bottom.
In effect, two spring tensions.

 

[NoVaGator]

those "w" springs aren't exerting much tension in any direction, so it probably doesn't matter.... top or bottom

I've seen them in both locations, and mine are on the top.