Hi All sorry not kit car but tin top, noticed a knocking noise from the rear of the car MX5 NC, so I put it up on axle stands and checked everything at the rear was tight and had no play in it. The brake pads and discs are worn but not metal to metal a little away from that yet.

I noticed that the callipers (floating bit) the bit that slides in and out on the pins had back and forth movement in them instead of just in and out as they should. This prompted me to check the fronts as the pads and discs are worn the same on them as well I found the same movement in them. The callipers themselves are tight on the mountings.

So my question, is the movement due to the worn pads and discs or are my slider pins worn or worst still the callipers themselves - is there any easy means of testing, I will be replacing the pads and discs, the flexible hoses and changing the fluid so would like to sort anything else then as well.

Thanks for looking Shindha

One thing to check is the retaining springs, missing springs is normally a common source of knocking noises.

a small amount of forward/backward movement is normal and necessary for the housing to slide properly.

I'd expect between 1-3mm of movement.

Most car have anti-rattle clips on the calipers to dampen out any movement.

Thank you all, the movement is a little more than 3mm its got anti squeak goodies on the pads the rattle is only noticeable on lower speeds so I think I will replace the slider pins and see how I get on.