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I took my Camry in for repair after there was a rattling sound on the front left bumper when I turned. That was fixed and since then there has been this unusual metallic sound, like something popping, underneath the car. Sometimes it happens when I use my brakes but it also does it when I am driving. It doesn't happen that often but just enough to annoy (and concern) me. Mechanic couldn't do anything because of course, it didn't do it when we test drove. My friend thinks it sounds like you ran over a tin can. Does this sound familiar to anyone?  

there are dust shields behind the brake rotors... sometimes they get pushed into the back of the rotor..  they will make a scraping tin noise sometimes...

there are also little folded metal brake pad anti squeak clips..  those can get out of position and scrape the rotor also....

you have to take the caliper bolt off..  swing the caliper out of the way.. pull the brake pads.. and examine the anti squeak clips...  they look like Origami.. folded metal..


has your car been in deep water... had the transmission out.. or the drive shafts worked on...    there is a small possibility that one of the axle nuts on the end of the CV shaft has come loose.. and the bearings are separating..   i think that car has a unitized front wheel bearing..  the wheel bearings could also be bad..

i took a look at autozone..  the front hubs are separate from the bearings... and they keep them in stock... so a loose axle nut could cause the bearing to separate...

take a look at what the brake hardware kit looks like..

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/bx2/H6196/image/8/

it could also just be the front brakes are worn down to the wear sensors...    it may make noise cornering..   but usually a squeaking sound as you drive without touching the brake pedal.. and get quiet when you press hard on the brakes...  

Thank you for suggestions about the cause of the sounds. Will plan to make an appt. with mechanic ASAP but curious if there are any safety concerns if any of the above are the problem. Might need to drive it for another day or so.

Once again,I really appreciate your time and expertise!  

you should probably not have much problems...  the worst .. maybe damaging a brake rotor when it rubs on the caliper bracket..

the wheels  generally don't fall off.. even when things go way wrong...

everything bolts on..

is it out of warrantee????  who was the last shop to do the brakes?????? if it is within 90 days... you really might take it back there...    or maybe not...   be sure that they show you exactly whats wrong...   if you have to buy parts ... you probably want the old ones back...  you might want to put customer wants old parts on the work order...

you might also take the brake hardware kit with you..part number H9196 in some brands.... as not all brake pads come with them...  it may save time... if they just swap in new ones... since they are going to take them out for inspection...  

I haven't had brakes done and though they squeak a bit, I was told by mechanic that this is normal. ??

But the sound that bothers me is a new one that happened after I had the front end worked on to fix rattle when I turned. I think I was given new axle(s) and it was covered under warranty.

Really appreciate all this information!!