What Causes a Knocking Noise When Braking?

If you find out there is a knocking noise during braking then it can be because of 

• Worn-out front suspension parts such as control arms, bushings, and loose calipers
• Loose bolts especially the ones holding the brake calipers in place
• Misaligned, worn-out, or damaged brake pads

Fixing the knocking issue during braking is not that challenging if you are into DIY work. However, you can always consult technicians for help. To get a detailed idea, let’s dive right into the article. 

What is a Knocking Noise When Braking?

The knocking noise when braking or clunking is the noise that happens during braking and can take place for issues like worn-out suspension parts, worn-out brake pads, and loose wheel nuts. 

If you hear a brake knocking then fix it as soon as possible. Try the following 

• Apply less pressure to the brake pedal.
• Drive more slowly.
• Practice handbrake turns around a corner or parking lot.
• Check your brakes for wear and tear. If they need to be replaced, do so as soon as possible.
• Make sure your brake pads are aligned properly with your rotors or drums. This is something a mechanic can check for you.
• If your brake fluid is low, top it off. This could also be causing the knocking noise.

If none of these work then it is better to consult professionals to handle this problem. 

How to Handle a Knocking Noise When You Brake?

If you’re experiencing a knocking noise when braking, do the following first

• Inspect the brake calipers. This is because faulty or loose calipers can make the brake pads rub against the rotor surface which makes a knocking noise. 
• Check the worn-out suspension parts. Any worn parts such as the control arms, bushings, or ball joints can make a knock when braking. 
• Check the brake pads and rotors. 
• See if any loose bolts are holding the brake caliper in place. If it isn’t then tighten all the bolts. 

Once again, if none of these work then the best thing to do is take it to a mechanic. They will be able to tell what’s causing the problem and how to fix it. 

Bonus: Find out some of the common car engine problems. 

How Do you Fix Knockback Brakes?

There are a few things you can do to help fix knock-back brakes. One is to adjust the brake pads so they’re closer to the rotor.

You can also tighten the bolts that hold the caliper in place. If those solutions don’t work, you may need to replace the calipers or the entire brake system.

Make sure your brake pads are touching the rotor so there is no knockback braking, tighten the bolts holding the caliper in place, or replace the whole system.

If the brake pedal feels spongy, it may be because the air is leaking out of the system. You can try to fix this by bleeding the brakes. This means getting rid of all the old fluid and replacing it with new fluid.

You can also buy a sealant that you can add to your brake fluid. This will help stop air from leaking into the system.

Leaking brake fluid can also be a sign that there is something wrong with your calipers. You may need to replace them if they are leaking.

You should also check the rotors for wear and tear. If they’re too worn down, you may need to replace them as well.

Bonus: Find out why your car sounds like a fan when you accelerate. 

Knocking Noise When Braking – Reasons to Replace Your Brake Pads

Leaking brake fluid is the most common reason for the repeated replacement of brake pads or shoes. If your brakes are leaking, the fluid will contaminate the new pads or shoes and they will wear out quickly.

Another common reason for replacing brake pads or shoes more than once is a broken seal in the brake disk. 

This can cause the brake fluid to leak out of the disk, but there is no evidence on the outside. The way to tell if this has happened is by looking in the wheels for any signs that brake fluid leaked onto them.

Leaking brake fluids also can make a single pop noise when braking. 

Knocking sound from the front when braking

There can be a few reasons why there is a knocking sound when braking in the front.

One reason could be that there is too much pressure on the brake pedal. When this happens, the brake pads will start to vibrate against the rotors, which will create a knocking noise.

Another reason could be that there is something caught in between the brake pads and the rotors.

Knocking Noise When Braking – Checklist

When you’re driving and you hear a knocking noise, it’s important to get your car checked out as soon as possible. The cause of the noise could be something minor, like a loose bolt, or it could be something more serious, like worn-out brakes.

By getting your car inspected as soon as possible, you can avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Here’s a quick car inspection checklist to help you diagnose the source of the knocking:

• Check the brakes with a sound test. Have someone else drive and listen for any abnormal noises while you apply pressure to the brake pedal.
• Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage.
• Look under the car for any leaking fluids.
• Inspect the exhaust pipe, especially if you hear a pinging noise coming from your engine. If it’s loose or damaged, this could be another sign of worn-out brakes.
• Doing these simple things before driving long distances can help reduce serious problems later on, saving both time and money in the long run. So next time you hear that knocking noise, don’t wait – get your car checked out right away!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why is My Car Making a Knocking Noise When I Slow Down?

The car makes a knocking noise when you slow down because of the suspension. It means that the arm bushings, steering stabilizers, and shocks are not working properly and making a noise. 

What Causes a Knocking Sound in the Front End of the Car?

The knocking sound in the front end of the car is because of worn ball joints. Whenever the front ball joints work properly the front wheels and suspension can move over the uneven road surfaces properly. Bur a worn-out ball joints means there will be knocking. 

Is It Safe to Drive With a Knocking Sound?

No, it is not safe to drive with a knocking sound. This means that your engine is in danger of severe damage. So, if you get a knocking sound then go to professionals and get the engine repaired. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the knocking noise during braking happens for any problem in the suspension part. To fix this, make sure to diagnose the suspension parts properly. If you are not comfortable repairing them yourself then consult professionals.