What Causes the Clunking Sound When Braking?
2 Answers
When you hear a clunking sound upon braking, it's typically due to excessive wear of the brake discs and brake pads, which can be resolved by replacing them with new ones. A brake disc is a circular disc that rotates as the vehicle moves. The brake caliper clamps onto this disc to generate braking force—applying the brakes essentially means the caliper grips the disc to slow down or stop the vehicle. Brake pads, also known as brake linings, are critical safety components in a car's braking system. The effectiveness of the braking largely depends on the condition of the brake pads. Generally, brake pads consist of a steel backing plate, an adhesive insulating layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, with the coating process monitored by an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to ensure quality by checking the temperature distribution during coating.
I've encountered this situation before, and that clunking sound is really annoying. The most common cause is worn brake pads, especially the screeching sound when the wear indicator rubs against the brake disc—it's particularly harsh. If the brake pads or discs have just been replaced, improper installation leading to excessive clearance can also cause the brake pads to rattle when pressed. Don't forget to check if the brake discs are warped, especially for cars that frequently brake hard—high temperatures can warp the discs and cause issues. Also, pay attention to the chassis; worn stabilizer bar bushings or loose lower control arm ball joints can produce a clunking sound when the force changes during braking. If you can't identify the problem yourself, take it to a repair shop for a lift inspection immediately. After all, brake issues shouldn't be delayed—it could be dangerous if problems arise while driving.