Metallic Pop from One Brake

[scientifics]

I have a 2002 Camry (~103k miles) and when I come to a stop from city speeds (~25mph) there is a single, metallic pop that comes from the front right side of my car. It doesn't happen when slowing on the highway or coming to a stop from higher speeds. What could be the problem? I recently had an inspection from my Toyota dealer (and passed) if that helps.

[AlmightyCamry777]

Sounds like a caliper or pad problem. Maybe the brake pad or the caliper piston is sticking. Remove both front wheels and compare lining thickness (no need to remove them for a quick inspection - in fact if you have the alloy wheels you can even see the pads through the holes in the wheel). The pad linings on the right side might be noticeably, or measurably thinner then the other.

Some other things that could be wrong, the big pins in the caliper need to be cleaned and greased, the stamped metal guides the pads sit in are very dirty and need to be cleaned, or the pads are sticking in their guides.

[scientifics]

Thanks for the ideas! Am I right that it sounds like it would be OK for me to wait until I take my Camry in for it's next oil change at the dealer?

[Aceventura9586]

How long have you been having the sound? And how far away is your next oil change? You need to consider these questions before you decide to wait. Especially if it's possibly something with a piston, which is kinda what it sounds like to me too

[scientifics]

I've had the sound for probably about 2 months with no change in its severity or anything. And my next oil change is probably a few months out.

[Aceventura9586]

Eh, you might wanna get it checked. This is one of those things that if the pop stops...then you might have a problem, cuz either it fixed itself. Or the piston is staying compressed and gonna cause some wear on the brakes

[scientifics]

So if the pop stops it is more urgent for me to go in and get it checked? This started happening about a week after I had the car inspected at the dealer too...wouldn't something serious have been noticed during the inspection?

[Aceventura9586]

Only if the problem was occurring at the time. I would personally have it checked out because I don't want it to be something serious that becomes catastrophic. Tell them exactly what happens at that is sounds almost like a piston is getting stuck.

[scientifics]

The dealer said they just need to sand the pads and resurface the rotors because they are rusty. Does this sound like it could fix the problem?

[toysarefun]

The noise is about as normal toyota noise as it gets, a little "W" clip or some kind of clip holds the pads from being loose, when you let off the brakes the pad makes a clicking noise as it slaps back into place.