What Causes the Clicking Sound When Braking in an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission cars may produce abnormal sounds when braking due to normal ABS activation or electronic linkage. Here are the detailed explanations: Normal ABS Activation: The ABS operation is actually a cyclic process of locking and releasing the brakes, keeping the vehicle in a state of near-lock intermittent rolling. When you brake hard and trigger the ABS, it may produce a clicking sound, which is normal. In this case, simply press the brake pedal firmly to the floor. Clicking Sound from the Gear When Braking in an Automatic Transmission Car: If you hear a clicking sound between the transmission and the gear lever when pressing the brake pedal, the main cause may be the electronic linkage between the braking system and the automatic transmission. When the brake is pressed, the transmission solenoid valve activates, producing a clicking sound. This serves as a safety reminder, as you need to press the gear lever lock button to shift gears.
I also experienced a clicking sound when braking in my automatic transmission car before. The main reasons were excessively worn brake pads or uneven brake rotor surfaces. On rainy days or in humid environments, iron brake rotors are prone to rust, which can cause this clicking sound during friction. It could also be due to loose brake calipers or aging suspension bushings, leading to vibration noises when braking. In automatic transmission cars, the engine and transmission are still connected when braking. If the power steering pump fails or there's an issue with the transmission lock mechanism, it might also cause abnormal noises. If not addressed promptly, braking efficiency will decrease, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend going to a professional repair shop as soon as possible to inspect and replace the components, to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Regular maintenance of the braking system can help avoid these issues.
After driving for many years, I've found that the clunking sound when stepping on the brake in an automatic transmission car usually has several common causes. First, the brake discs may be rusty or worn unevenly, causing friction noise during braking. Second, the brake pads could be stuck or worn too thin, resulting in excessive clearance and impact noise when braking. Additionally, loose suspension components such as ball joints or shock absorbers may vibrate and produce sounds during stopping. For automatic transmission models, stepping on the brake at idle might also involve faults in the transmission's vacuum booster system. Long-term neglect can exacerbate component damage and increase repair costs. I usually inspect the brake system regularly, especially for frequently used vehicles, performing maintenance every 1-2 years to ensure driving safety.
