knocking from front while braking

[hugh jass]

i have a knocking sound coming from my front drivers side wheel assembly while braking. here are the details

e30 m3 5 lug suspension with dsIIs and 20 mm spacers in front
it is not the sway bar end links or anti rattle clips because the knocking occurs with or without them installed
speed sensitive, meaning the knocking is faster if i brake at a higher speed and get slower as i lose speed
caliper carrier bolts are tight, as are the caliper slider bolts (or whatever they are called)

i can't figure this one out!
help plz.

[Turf1600]

Does the sound affect pedal feel or the steering wheel?

[hugh jass]

Does the sound affect pedal feel or the steering wheel?

when i step on the brakes hard i can just barely feel the pedal kick back, like something is pressing back on part of the caliper. doesn't affect steering though.

[Turf1600]

when i step on the brakes hard i can just barely feel the pedal kick back, like something is pressing back on part of the caliper. doesn't affect steering though.

There's a multitude of things it could be - but I'd bleed it, remove and reinstall the calipers and pads. Obviously check the rotors, ball joints, and wheel bearings.

I just had a similar situation and it turns out the not that holds the strut into the strut tubs came completely out.