Brakes ticking

[Rocketman]

So, I changed out the front brake pads last night.  On the first ride after changeout, I heard the ticking noise that tells me I did something wrong.  However, all my memory joggers (including a tech forum search) on what causes that indicate that I needed to do something different with the axle or caliper mounting bolts.  Here's the kicker:
I didn't pull the axle, or the calipers.  I pulled the pin, pulled out old pads, compressed pistons, inserted new pads, and put the pin back in.  I struggled a little to get the pads lined up right, but they're in now, and I don't see a way to get the pin in without lining up the pads correctly.  However, I'm hearing the ticking that seems to come from those rotor bolts.  (I haven't had ANY time to troubleshoot, as I had to get to work this morning).

Any ideas on what I could have found to screw up in such a quick simple job?

Mark

[indybobm]

It is possible to get the pin in if the pads are not in properly. The front of the pads are supposed to 'lock' in to the front of the caliper. It is possible for the front of the pad to droop down and miss it. Check your pads to make sure the front of the pads are positioned properly. It happened to me once.

[trout dude]

Make sure the axle is all the way in or this will cause your problem. It should be flush with the fork tube. Hope this helps
  Dennis

[Rocketman]

I'll check to make sure they're in.  I didn't think that I could get the pin in if the pads weren't in properly, but I'll look at it.  I had trouble eyeballing the pads, especially the inner pads, with the caliper still on the bike.

As for the axle comment:  I haven't touched the axle.  The axle wasn't causing an issue the day before, so I don't see any reason to believe that it's causing the issue now.

Thanks,
Mark

[idaida98]

Check that the pad retainers are properly seated.Ask me how I know?

[Rocketman]

By "Pad retainers", do you mean the springs?

[Farther]

What pads did you use?  EBCs with Hondaline rotors seem to make a cricket/chirping sound to me.

[Rocketman]

Honda with Honda.  I'm not talking about a chirping.  It's a mechanical impact sound.

[pancho]

Yeah, make sure the front and rear springs are in place (they come out easily), otherwise the pads can move around and make noise.

[Tfrank59]

It is possible to get the pin in if the pads are not in properly. The front of the pads are supposed to 'lock' in to the front of the caliper. It is possible for the front of the pad to droop down and miss it. Check your pads to make sure the front of the pads are positioned properly. It happened to me once.
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[Chrisj CMA]

I'll check to make sure they're in.  I didn't think that I could get the pin in if the pads weren't in properly, but I'll look at it.  I had trouble eyeballing the pads, especially the inner pads, with the caliper still on the bike.

As for the axle comment:  I haven't touched the axle.  The axle wasn't causing an issue the day before, so I don't see any reason to believe that it's causing the issue now.

Thanks,
Mark

If the axle is not right and there is more pressure on the pads in the left (clutch side) caliper it should quiet down after 50% or more of the pad is worn off prematurely, then the space will be more like it was before you put in new pads.

[indybobm]

If the axle is not right and there is more pressure on the pads in the left (clutch side) caliper it should quiet down after 50% or more of the pad is worn off prematurely, then the space will be more like it was before you put in new pads.

If that is the case, then the left fork pinch bolts at the axle can be loosened and and the left fork moved in or out until the caliper is centered over the rotor.

[Rocketman]

I went back and looked at this in the daylight, and when the operator (me) wasn't tired.  Sure enough, I had one of the inboard pads out of whack.  The front tab wasn't in place properly.  I reinstalled correctly, and all is well.
Thanks for the inputs.

Mark