Why is there a clunking sound from the rear wheels after braking?

[AaliyahDella]

Abnormal sounds when braking may be due to normal ABS operation, safety reminders, loose chassis components, or unstable brake discs. Specific explanations are as follows: Normal situation: The ABS working process is actually a cyclic process of locking-releasing-locking-releasing, keeping the vehicle in a state of near-lock rolling. Therefore, when emergency braking triggers the ABS, it will produce a clunking sound, which is a normal phenomenon. In this case, simply press the brake pedal firmly to the floor. Abnormal situation: If you hear a "clunk" sound between the transmission and the gear lever when pressing the brake pedal, the main cause of the sound may be the electronic linkage between the brake system and the automatic transmission. Pressing the brake activates the transmission solenoid valve, producing a "clunk" sound. At this time, you need to press the gear lever lock button to shift gears, which serves as a kind of safety reminder.

[Hadley]

I've repaired quite a few cars before and found that a clunking sound from the rear wheels after braking is usually due to issues with the braking system or suspension components. If the brake discs are warped or have an uneven surface, they can produce this kind of noise when the wheels are under pressure, similar to metal sheets rubbing against each other. Additionally, the brake pads might be unevenly worn or have foreign objects stuck in them, leading to unstable braking. I've also encountered chassis problems, such as damaged shock absorbers in the rear suspension or loose control arms, which can cause the car to shake and make noises when braking. If not addressed promptly, these issues can worsen brake component damage and even compromise driving safety. It's advisable to take the car to a professional workshop immediately upon hearing such sounds—they can pinpoint the problem with diagnostic tools. Don't wait for a minor issue to become a major one, as repairs can get expensive. Remember to pay attention to the brake pedal feel; if you notice vibrations or increased abnormal noises, prioritize checking the condition of the brake discs and pads.

[VanWilliam]

As a seasoned long-distance driver, I strongly advise addressing brake noises immediately. The clunking sound is mostly caused by rear brake issues, such as cracked brake discs or rust spots, which produce knocking noises when braking. The suspension system should also not be overlooked—loose wheel bearings or worn shock absorbers can transmit vibrations to the braking components. This poses significant safety risks, especially in rainy conditions or at high speeds, where brake failure is more likely. I've witnessed accidents caused by this issue. Pull over as soon as possible to inspect the tires and chassis. If the rear wheel feels unstable when shaken, visit a repair shop immediately. For prevention, regular brake maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating every six months, can reduce 80% of such failures. Safety comes first—don't risk delaying repairs by continuing to drive.

[DiDavid]

From my experience in car disassembly and maintenance, the clunking noise from rear brakes is often caused by mechanical imbalance. During braking, if the brake disc is uneven, the uneven force distribution on the wheels creates vibration sounds; or when brake pads age and develop hard spots, the drastic changes in friction resistance can cause noise. Damaged chassis linkage components like control arm bushings can also amplify the noise, as wheel wobble gets directly transmitted to the vehicle body. A simple diagnostic method is to jack up the rear wheel and manually rotate it to listen for the source of the noise. Ignoring this issue can lead to accelerated wear of brake components and higher repair costs. Prompt action is crucial.