I recorded a video, but I’m unable to upload it. Basically, I can move the rotors back and forth, and I’m wondering how I can stop that from happening.
Also, I’ve been hearing a metal knocking sound on the right side of my car, and I’m wondering if it’s caused by the rotor shifting back and forth.
Without lugnuts on the rotor, it will move freely against the hub and studs.
Shan said:
Without lugnuts on the rotor, it will move freely against the hub and studs.
Okay, so it must be something else making the noise, not the rotor itself.
Shan said:
Without lugnuts on the rotor, it will move freely against the hub and studs.
Okay, so it must be something else making the noise, not the rotor itself.
If you have jack stands and can install the rim and tighten two lugnuts, try grabbing the tire side to side or top to bottom. Wiggle it back and forth. This could help you find the noise.
@Shan
I tried wiggling the tire before removing it, but it felt really firm—no movement, no noise 
Pax said:
@Shan
I tried wiggling the tire before removing it, but it felt really firm—no movement, no noise
Did you check the swaybar links? And are the CV boots torn or leaking grease?
@Shan
I noticed the swaybar links and tie rod ends were worn, but I still need to check the CV boots.
Pax said:
@Shan
I noticed the swaybar links and tie rod ends were worn, but I still need to check the CV boots.
Just check them if you have a jackstand under the car. I don’t see one in the picture.
@Shan
I took the picture on Friday. I’ll check the CV boots when I replace the parts. 
Pax said:
@Shan
I took the picture on Friday. I’ll check the CV boots when I replace the parts.
Don’t work under the car without jack stands. Please make sure you use them to support the car. Safety first.
@Ren
I have jack stands at home. I was just at my parent’s house for Thanksgiving and we were quickly checking it. Thanks for looking out! 
My car made a similar noise when the sway bar links wore out. I don’t think the rotor is the cause of the sound.
Keller said:
My car made a similar noise when the sway bar links wore out. I don’t think the rotor is the cause of the sound.
Thanks! I found that the sway bar link boots and tie rod boots were worn out. Hopefully, replacing them will stop the noise.
If you don’t have the lug nuts on, the rotor can move back and forth easily. But if the wheel and lugs are on and the wheel moves, that could mean the hub bearing is bad.
It’s normal. No issues there.
I have the same noise. It’s not the rotors. It could be the caliper gap causing the noise, especially when I reverse and press the brakes firmly. Could the bottom or transmission mounts be the problem?
@Jonah
Mine only makes noise when I drive over small bumps, and it’s just on the right side. Funny thing is, I used to hear the same sound in my old 2003 Focus. I also replaced the engine mount, but not the transmission mount.
@Pax
In that case, I think it might be the sway bar end link.
It’s probably the sway bar links. Use vice grips to help if you’re having trouble getting the old bolts off. If needed, cut them off with bolt cutters.
Poe said:
It’s probably the sway bar links. Use vice grips to help if you’re having trouble getting the old bolts off. If needed, cut them off with bolt cutters.
Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind 
