Minor issues (I hope)

[Specialk]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your help on my other posts! Having replaced my front shocks, I've notice a few problems:
1. Front left outside brake pad moves forward and back within the calliper, making a clicking sound when I brake. Seem to have lost the "retaining spring". Is this an issue?
2. Right front wheel is hard to turn when it's up on the stands. I assume this is not normal and the brake is rubbing for some reason. Is there a quick fix?
3. Still getting a loud metallic noise from the front left when I hit a pot hole (not the brake). I don't think it's the control arms or tie rods as there's no play when on the stand despite bushing being worn (to be replaced in future). Any ideas?
4. Gears always but always grind putting in reverse starting out. It does the same once in a while after the car has rolled for a while. I think I heard that this is the first sign of the clutch going......do I need to start saving??

Thanks in advance for the advice

[So Cal Mark]

1. eventually you will get wear on the caliper bracket with the pad moving. And of course the annoying squeal when braking without the spring.
2. sounds like a caliper dragging-could be a caliper that needs rebuilding or a bad hose. Or both or a mis-adjusted wheel bearing
3. with the wheels hanging you can't check the lower ball joint. If you have worn parts, replace them asap before something breaks
4. reverse is not synchronized, place the shifter in 2nd, then reverse

[Specialk]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the quick reply! For item 4, can I check the lower ball joint if I jack up the wheel while the car's on stands?

Rgds

[majicwrench]

Reverse should not grind going in, even tho not synchronized. Out put shaft not turning (unless car is moving when you try reverse) and in put shaft should just be coasting slowly or stopped with clutch depressed.
If reverse is grinding always, yes, you have a clutch draggin issue, but it may be as simple as an adjustment, firewall flex, or indeed the whole shibang ( a very technical term)

Get that RF wheel off the ground, and if it is hard to turn, reach around behind with a hammer and bang on caliper and see if tire now rotates, if so caliper is dragging for any of the reasons Mark mentioned
Keith