What Causes the Clicking Sound When Releasing the Brake?
3 Answers
Releasing the brake produces a clicking sound due to the following reasons: 1. Normal ABS operation: The ABS system works by repeatedly engaging and disengaging the brakes, keeping the vehicle in a state of near-lockup. When the ABS is activated by hard braking, a clicking sound may occur, which is normal. In this case, simply press the brake pedal firmly. 2. Safety reminder: When pressing the brake pedal, a clicking sound may be heard between the transmission and the gear lever. This is mainly caused by the electronic linkage between the brake system and the automatic transmission. Pressing the brake activates the transmission solenoid valve, producing the sound, which serves as a safety reminder to press the gear lever lock button before shifting. 3. Loose chassis components: If the clicking sound occurs even during light braking, or if the vehicle lacks an automatic transmission lock button, or if the sound is continuous, it is likely due to a malfunction in the brake system or loose chassis components. 4. Warped brake discs: Over time, brake discs may develop uneven surfaces, leading to unusual noises when braking.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the 'clunking sound when releasing brakes' issue quite a few times. It's usually caused by minor problems in the braking system. The most common reason is worn-out brake pads - when they rub against the rotors and get stuck, they make that noise. Sometimes it's because the brake calipers are loose or jammed, making it difficult for them to retract, resulting in that impact sound when releasing the brakes. I suggest first paying attention to the frequency and volume of the sound - occasional occurrences are fine, but if it happens frequently, you should take it seriously. Additionally, if the ball joints or control arms in the suspension system are aged and loose, component shifting and collisions when releasing the brakes can also cause that clunking sound, which becomes more noticeable after hitting big potholes. I've noticed this happens more often in summer due to thermal expansion affecting component clearances. Don't just rely on online guides - the best approach is to actually visit a repair shop and have them inspect your brake components and suspension system.
I'm just an average car owner who commutes in my own small car. Last year, my brakes would always make a clunking sound when released. At first, I thought it was a big issue and got so scared that I immediately looked it up. Turns out, it's mostly caused by improperly installed brake pads or slight rust on the calipers—the sound occurs when parts shift upon releasing the brakes. If your car often makes noise after parking, it might mean the brake discs are worn out and need replacing. Let me share an experience: once when driving on a mountain road, there was an especially loud clunk when I released the brakes. After checking at home, I found the brake pads were nearly worn down and even cracked at the edges. This kind of sound shouldn’t be ignored, especially in rainy weather or on steep slopes, as it could affect braking response. I took some time to visit an auto repair shop, spent a bit on new pads, and the problem was fixed. Developing a habit of gentle braking can reduce wear and extend the lifespan of the components.
