popping noise left front when appling brakes

c

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Joined: 6/28/2014

Posts: 9

When applying brakes on my 1976 corvette there is a popping noise coming from the left front brake area. Any ideas as to what is causing this? I bought the car earlier this year with less than 55,000 original miles.

|UPDATED|10/28/2014 5:50:58 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/28/14 7:33pmMessage 2 of 19

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 22715

Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

In order of probability....
Upper control arm bushings
Ball joints
Brake caliper loose
Lower control arm bushings
Wheel bearings
Lug nuts loose

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 12:22amMessage 3 of 19

c

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Joined: 6/28/2014

Posts: 9

Thanks for your quick response. I'll start checking things out. How difficult is it to replace the control arm bushings?

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 5:16amMessage 4 of 19

m

manchestershark

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Equinunk, PA - USA

Joined: 10/31/2007

Posts: 2572

Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Take your time, keep your eyes peeled and mind open. IF you do it, do it ALL. It may cost you a bigger amount of money up front, but in the long run SAVE you lots of time and Money. Just depends on what the problem is. The problem may present itself as you begin the disassembly.

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 10:04amMessage 5 of 19

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Biggest problem with the upper control arms is getting them OFF the car to begin with....NOT a fun job...unless you don't have a shroud on the radiator.
Once they are off, the bushings can be tough to remove from the arms sometimes, depending on rust/corrosion. I just bang them out with a fairly large hammer, but others have other, not-harmful-to-your-hands methods.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 11:01amMessage 6 of 19

dads2vette

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Ash Fork, AZ - USA

Joined: 4/18/2007

Posts: 1058

Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior

I pressed mine out with a press from harbor freight. Worked well. I haven't looked but you might try videos on YouTube

Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.

In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"

Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 11:47amMessage 7 of 19

c

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Joined: 6/28/2014

Posts: 9

Thanks for all the info. I have access to a vertical press which should work. I agree with the shroud in place, it doesn't leave a lot of room. If I do it, I'm going to replace everything, bushings, bald joints, etc.

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 3:37pmMessage 8 of 19

F4Gary

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Grapevine, TX - USA

Joined: 8/26/2006

Posts: 1537

Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport M7 convertible.

Popcorn!!

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/29/14 7:17pmMessage 9 of 19

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 22715

Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Re: popping noise left front when appling brakes

Posted: 10/30/14 11:28amMessage 10 of 19

c

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