Wierd noise - snap/pop when slowing down. --UPDATE --FIXED!!

[Tx Bohemian]

Ok, got a noise that developed on my bike.  
It’s a snap/pop type of noise in the front as you’re slowing down, it always occurs  at 20-22 MPH.
It’s a medium type of noise (meaning it’s not overly loud nor do you have to really listen for it, I can hear it although I’m hard of hearing) however I can’t feel anything in the bars, forks, or triple trees.
You have to get above 35mph but it will do it if you go 35, 60, 80, etc... and slow down.
It only does it when the front brakes are applied, and doesn’t make any difference if you’re doing an “emergency type stop" laying hard on the brakes, or just an easy “coming to a stop sign” slow stop.
It will not happen when just the rear brakes are applied, or coasting to a stop not using the brakes.

This started after I replaced the front forks, front wheel w/discs and speedo driver, front calipers (new kits), front master cylinder and front brake hose. I did use my old pads as there is 75% or more left.

I have double checked the torque on everything (a couple of times already) even the disc to wheel bolts, although that came as a unit.  Everything is, and has been, good.

It’s baffling why this does it at 20-22 MPH every time, no faster, no slower.

Any ideas?

[hubcapsc]

Is the end of your front axle absolutely flush with the forks? Not sticking out any at all, even a little?

-Mike

[Ricky-D]

It's probably the pads, so you might be able to determine what side is making the noise.

To check if it is the pads, you can get a water pistol and spray a side at a time

just prior to when the noise will start. A little experimenting will yield the results.

You can use ear plugs to help determine which side.  Being resourceful is a

good process to help solve those intractable problems that defy conventional

methods for identifying the source of noises.

***

[uturn]

ive had the front rotor washer plates contact the calipar bolts if its not lined up with a fork reinstall...easy fix is to put some stainless washers in the offending bolt, or you can pull the fender off to eyeball the centering of the front axle. give me a call sometime and we can figure it out...

[Moonshot_1]

Couple years ago I had my local guy put in some new pads (among other maintenance items)

Shortly after I would hear a sharp "knock" every time I would apply the front brake. Sounded like something was hitting the front fender. While I would hear the sound at pretty much any speed it was mostly predominant at the 20 -30 mph speed. Front brake would work fine in all other respects.

After trying to track this down for some time I finally found that one of the retaining clips for one of the brake pads was not retaining the pad and when I would hit the front brake the rotor would send the pad to the upper part of the caliper body making the "knock" sound. I could replicate this by pushing the offending pad up with my finger. The sound would travel to the top of the fender. Even when I was pushing the pad with my finger and knew it was hitting the caliper it sounded like it was hitting the fender.

The solution was to bend the clip back into shape so it could retain the pad. Didn't take much. Just a little tweak.

[Tx Bohemian]

Thanks for the thoughts/experiences fellas, hopefully i'll have time this w/e to look into this.

[Tx Bohemian]

WHOO--HOO!!!!

Fixed it!!

After I re-torqued everything and took it for a test ride the noise changed so I knew I was on the right track.Took the calipers off and lubed/anti-seized all the contact points on the pads, mounting brackets, and slides.
I have no idea why the noise would come at 20-22 MPH only, but I'm thrilled the noise is gone!!

Thanks for all the info/suggestions fellas!!