The car has 52,000 miles (original owner) and I had the brake pads replaced about a year ago. the brakes have started to "thump" when stopping, fast when first applying and slows in intensity as the car slows. If you apply the brakes hard, it doesn't make the sound. It almost sounds to me that the shoes are slightly smaller than the holder and the pads are moving. Both front wheels make the sound. The sound has been there since the replacement, but, according to the wife, its getting louder as time goes on. Took it back to the shop to have them checked, but they said they did not find any problems (Firestone). Is this normal? It doesn't really bother me, but it drives my wife nuts (and it's her car). Any ideas?

 

First rule: KEEP THE WIFE HAPPY!

I would think they might have used an inexpensive set of brake pads to start with. They are most likely missing the shims on them. They were either not relocated to the new pads, new pads have missing shims, or the new pads were not made exactly to specs allowing minimal movement.

 

My '94 does the same exact thing, but only on the front driver's side... I dunno if it's the shim or a faulty caliper. I read a technical service bulletin online that said "EXPERIENCING POPPING NOISE FROM FRONT BRAKE CALIPER DURING SLOW SPEED BRAKING. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 605988 )".

Caliper may need to be replaced... But every time I have my tires rotated at discount, they don't mention any problems.

 

Well - took it to the dealer, they turned the rotors and put oem pads on and the problem is gone - the wife is happy [sm=smiley24.gif] at the cost of $192.00.

 

There is a TSB for 89-98 Protege with popping type noise when braking lightly Spunky. Have heard many times although not for several years now. Noise is a light pop type noise that gets slower and slower as wheel speed drops and usually did not stop until coming to a complete stop. Problem was due to a worn upper caliper slide pin. There is a modified replacement available but I do not think they are very cheap. Could get you a part number, TSB# and price if you are interested. Glad to hear your problem was fixed as well Chazon.