Clunking noise when stopping
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
Clunking noise when stopping
More work for the winter months! This started a month or two ago. When coming to a gentle stop, say coasting to a traffic light and the brakes are applied, right before I stop I get this kind of clunking noise from what seems to be the rear of the car. It will clunk maybe 2 or 3 times but not on every stop, very intermitted, the conditions have to be ”just” right. I have tried stopping with it in neutral it has not done it but it may be that I have not copied the conditions and of course the wheel torque thing is different. Last winter I replaced the U-joints and rear brake pads. I plan on checking that the C-beam is tight, rear wheel bearings, brake pads for movement and u-joints. I have also read that the splined shaft can become dry and make noises. After that I guess it could be tranny or rear end. Does anyone have any advice that could point me in the right direction?
Thanks for any advice that can be provided!
[Modified by 87SAM, 10:32 AM 12/28/2002]
Thanks for any advice that can be provided!
[Modified by 87SAM, 10:32 AM 12/28/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Clunking noise when stopping (87SAM)
there are so many parts that could cause such a clunk.
the trailing arms could have dry rotted rubber bushings, the rear tie rods... take your pick.
could even be a slightly loose caliper! or the parking brake bits are rattling around...
considering the age, mileages is not so much a factor here, you may need to consider a rear suspension refresh. its is not as bad as it sounds!!!
The parts are cheap enough, and if you have air tools, jack stands and a floor jack, you should be ok....
[Modified by bogus, 12:36 PM 12/28/2002]
the trailing arms could have dry rotted rubber bushings, the rear tie rods... take your pick.
could even be a slightly loose caliper! or the parking brake bits are rattling around...
considering the age, mileages is not so much a factor here, you may need to consider a rear suspension refresh. its is not as bad as it sounds!!!
The parts are cheap enough, and if you have air tools, jack stands and a floor jack, you should be ok....
[Modified by bogus, 12:36 PM 12/28/2002]
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
Re: Clunking noise when stopping (bogus)
I do have all the tools you mentioned, and all winter. I will give this all a good look over. I just was hoping it would not be a big ticket item, say rear end. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Clunking noise when stopping (87SAM)
Definately give you caliper bolts a quick once-over. I was getting a clunk on the front left on my daily driver and I just ignored it, attributing it to just be another noice my beater makes... NOT! The caliper fell off at freeway speeds. It actually pivoted down because only the top bolt worked itself loose. As I was slowing down, it grabbed on the rotor and bound, locking that wheel. Not fun!
Luckily the bolt had a cap over it, so it was not gone. I was able to find a rock that fit the 3/8" allen head and put some turns on it to get to an autoparts store for an allen wrench. Did I mention this was in a rain storm?
Good luck!
Luckily the bolt had a cap over it, so it was not gone. I was able to find a rock that fit the 3/8" allen head and put some turns on it to get to an autoparts store for an allen wrench. Did I mention this was in a rain storm?
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,506
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: Clunking noise when stopping (ninetyfivevette)
Definately give you caliper bolts a quick once-over. I was getting a clunk on the front left on my daily driver and I just ignored it, attributing it to just be another noice my beater makes... NOT! The caliper fell off at freeway speeds. It actually pivoted down because only the top bolt worked itself loose. As I was slowing down, it grabbed on the rotor and bound, locking that wheel. Not fun!
Luckily the bolt had a cap over it, so it was not gone. I was able to find a rock that fit the 3/8" allen head and put some turns on it to get to an autoparts store for an allen wrench. Did I mention this was in a rain storm?
Good luck!
Luckily the bolt had a cap over it, so it was not gone. I was able to find a rock that fit the 3/8" allen head and put some turns on it to get to an autoparts store for an allen wrench. Did I mention this was in a rain storm?
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 691
From: Boise ID
Re: Clunking noise when stopping (ninetyfivevette)
I hear what your saying there! Same thing happened to me a month after I had front brake work done at a shop. One bolt came off the front bracket, luckly as I was pulling into the parking lot at work. Just scored the inside of the rim. That was right after I bought the car and needless to say, it's never been in a shop since. Hell, I can screw things up myself, don't need to pay someone else to do it :D
