What Causes a Thud Sound During Emergency Braking in Cars?
2 Answers
Abnormal noises when braking could be due to metal hard spots on the brake pads, severe wear of the brake disc, or small stones or a water film between the brake disc and brake pads. Below is relevant information on checking for abnormal braking noises: 1. Metal hard spots on brake pads: If there are tiny metal particles on the brake pads, they can produce a screeching sound when braking. Trying to brake hard several times or grinding and replacing the brake pads can resolve this issue. 2. Severe wear of the brake disc: Prolonged use of car brake discs can lead to deep grooves at the friction points with the brake pads, causing abnormal noises when braking. If the grooves are not deep, grinding the edges of the brake pads may help; if they are deep, replacing the brake disc is necessary. 3. Small stones or a water film between the brake disc and brake pads: If you've driven on gravel roads, in sandy weather, or just washed the car, check to remove any small stones or press the brake several times to wear off the water film.
I've driven various cars, and the issue of a clunking sound during hard braking is quite common, usually indicating problems with the braking system or suspension components. For example, loose brake calipers can rattle and produce noise during sudden stops; or if the shock absorbers are leaking or failing, the impact from braking can cause a clunking sound. Warped brake rotors can also lead to abnormal friction noises. Once, during a hard brake in the rain, there was a loud clunk followed by body sway—inspection revealed a warped rear brake rotor, nearly causing a loss of control. Don’t ignore such noises—they signal potential dangers that could compromise overall braking efficiency. I recommend visiting a professional repair shop immediately to inspect chassis fasteners and brake wear, addressing the issue early to prevent accidents. Maintaining smooth deceleration habits while driving and minimizing hard braking can help extend component lifespan.