Just completed (what I thought) was a quality front brake makeover on the 58K mile 2003 SSEi.

Raybestos top-of-the-line rotors with a no turn guarantee. (great price from Amazon BTW)
Bendix CQ (high end) ceramic brake pads.

I now have a light pop noise whenever I change directions and hit the brakes the first time. Can feel it through the steering wheel and hear it out the window..

The pads came with their Ceramalub.. I wasn't sure where all to put this (come on Bendix, a little instructions wouldn't kill ya!), so I used it on the pins, and between the brake pad and caliper (even though they have a shim). Again, didn't know where they want me to put it.

Any ideas? Big letdown after buying "quality" parts.

on the shim is correct, I've never had a popping sound after I did a brake job and I've used all kinds of brands

did you replace the shims when you put the new pads on?

I presume you are talking about the shims that are on each END of the pad. Between the pad and the retaining brackets. Yes, I did replace those with the ones in the kit..

As far as lube though, I put some on the BACK of the pads even though there is already backing on the pads...

No lube on those shim'*.. I didn't see any on the original brake job.. Think that is a problem?

Shouldn't make a bit of difference where you put the lube, as long as it wasnt on the pad themselves. Its really for the back of the inboard pad but I use it on the pins to since they can always use some lube and it right there handy. Might be a pad having a time moving forward on the shims, I smear a little in the travel portion of them as well. Doesn't hurt. When you write it happens around corners without braking, it makes me think maybe a strut bushing gave out.

Inspect all the bolts, there are only 2 on the caliper, and two on the caliper bracket. Ensure they are all tight. Sounds like something is shifting.

GXPVENOM - When I said change directions, I meant forwards/backwards.. Sorry for the confusion..

I already took the wheel off again and everything is tight.. All I presume is I am hearing the pads shift.

Guess the Bendix pads just don't fit very well, or I didn't put enough lube on the inboard pad.. Will investigate more.. If I can come up with something definate, I'll reply back.

If the pop if from forward to reverse, then it sounds to me like the pads are shifting. The pads should fit snug in the holders. If it'* loose then that is what your hearing.

Also ensure that your lug nuts are torqed to spec.

Ya, I got confused. And not hard for me. hehehe. Crun mentioned a good point. Did you get new shims with the pads. Seems to make a big difference these days with manufacturers "tolerances". Either way, did the pads just slip into the shims easy?

Yeah, I put the news shims from Bendix on. Wish I didn't chunk the factory ones.

The pads did clip in.. But right now, I can go out there and stick a flat blade screwdriver and push the pads up and down in the caliper bracket. They have like .15 maybe .20 thousanths clearance that they can move around.. I am guessing that is the popping noise I am hearing.. I will make a temporary spacer to see if that stops the popping noise.