Clunking Noise When Braking

Different brake noises have different causes within the brake system. Being able to properly identify the noise and know what is causing it will help you determine a proper solution. In the third video of our brake noise series, we talk about how a clunking or thumping noise heard during braking isn't normally related to the brake system.

A clunking or thumping noise is often confused as a problem with the brake system because you typically hear it when you hit the brake pedal. However, chances are the problem lies elsewhere in the vehicle.

Suspension Issue

The problem most likely lies in the suspension of your vehicle. When a shock or strut goes bad, you may hear a thumping or clunking noise when you brake. This might also be accompanied by your vehicle nose-diving during braking. That is a key indicator that there is a problem with your suspension.

Brake Cable

Another explanation may be the brake cable being loose or having too much slack in its brackets. If this happens, you may hear a thumping noise of the cable hitting against your vehicle when you brake.

Loose Caliper Bracket Mounting Bolt

A loose mounting bolt that holds the caliper bracket to the vehicle may be the issue. This is an uncommon problem, but it may be the cause of a thumping or clunking noise.

[docdermLLC]

Perfect, took me only a minute to figure out that my parking brake cable was the cause of that sound. Thanks

[DELOS]

My thoughts, thanks. I'm having the same issue. I changed my brakes, rotors and brake cables, and it still does that sound when I release the brakes and on every stop too or apply the brakes slowly. I'm front struts definitely need some changing

[youngtragedy]

I've replaced the ball joints. tie rods. pitman arms and everything is as tight as it can be yet I still get that annoying ass clunk

[mimcan]

Hello..What about the single clunking noise and physical knocking right beneath the gas + brake pedal floor mat when releasing brake pedal..?

[marciocorreafilho]

I have that exactly problem with that noise only after a cold start and going in reverse and hit the breaks. After the car warms up it disappears. If I wait the car warm up for 2 or 3 min in the morning I never hear the noise. It is a Volvo xc90 any tips?

[ACommenterOnYouTube]

i have the same clunk, mechanic said the motor was bad, paid him $9k for a new motor and the clunk is still there ...

[alreddy]

Yeah, I've got an issue while braking. I know it isn't my brakes because it only makes the noise while in "drive" mode. In park the knock is not there. While in drive, pressing slightly and releasing the brake will make the knock.... any ideas on where I should look? It only comes from the front end.

[bitemyshinnymetalass]

I still have the same clunking noise after replacing my front and rear suspension, my sway bar and bushings. After having joints lubricated. It sounds like it's coming from the brakes since the noise stops whenever I apply the brakes. Only noticeable when going through uneven road's. Going to have the mechanic check it again next week.

[mohamadtubless]

Clicking noise on my corolla happen one time just when I go to rear drive and braking, then again it happen when back to forward drive and brake first time.

[joegonzalez]

I'm pretty sure my cars issue has to do with the rear drums because it began right after I replaced the rear break pads and drums.

[Black_Jesus]

I hear a clunking noise when hitting any size bump and when I tap the brake it stops. Any ideas? It’s a 2013 Elantra gls

[RaymondG_]

I linked another video in my previous comment.
My 2013 Honda Civic started making the clunking sound on the driver side wheel. It occurs when I change directions from drive to reverse. Maybe the brake pads don’t fit properly. I’m stumped

[zubairsafdar]

Whenever i step on brake hear a clunky noise from passenger side. I checked everything and even replace the brake pad and rotor as well caliper but still noise. Any suggestions please help me out if anyone knows. I been to 4 mechanic they don’t know what is going on. The noise only comes when i brake it’s from passenger side.

[kevinryks]

my rear brake drum "clunks" when i come to a complete stop. even if i inch forward and hit the brakes.

[DTUFINOPhotography]

I have an issue on my FX35 that only happens once in a blue moon... when breaking from a fast speed (35mph +) when it slows down to about 10mp there is a thud, I feel it on my brake pedal, not sure hot to explain because it happens once in a while...

[stateboy]

Recently replaced my oem rotors with drilled/slotted ones, new pads as well.... Recently been hearing ticking while applying the brakes and even while I'm off the brakes I've noticed there's that ticking sounds!.... Possible causes!??

[ansonhong]

Surprisingly this clunking/thumping noise only happens when I brake on a very steep downhill. Why would that happen? I wonder if it was to do with my ABS too

[eduardoalvarado]

my dads car clucks when i step on the brakes but only clunks when its in park

[neagoesebastian]

I have the same sound problem when i hard breake on my kawasaki z1000, it sounds knoking sounds from gear box or i don't know. multiple sounds not only once. Can be from gear box or suspension ?

[richs]

On my 06 Explorer the left rear clunks only in reverse and only when the brakes are applied. Even does it when the rear wheels are off the ground. Had it apart and can't find the problem.