Very possibly, but when does this occur and how often? Do you hear a single clunk regardless of how many times you press the brake pedal, then you hear it again when you back up and brake? That would be typical of worn mounts and the caliper or a pad is shifting position and hitting them rather than constantly resting against them. The same thing can be caused by deteriorated rubber caliper mounting hardware or a loose mounting bolt.
Worn ball joints cause more noise when braking than brake parts and should never be ignored on Fords, especially their front-wheel-drive cars. By 2003 they discontinued their extremely dangerous design and went to the same thing other manufacturers are using. These ball joints will also make a clunking noise when driving over bumpy roads and when cornering and straightening out.
Worn tie rod ends will make a popping sound too that you might hear when braking and when accelerating. It's much less common to hear them when braking though. Worn or binding upper strut mounts, the struts, and the lower control arm bushings should all be inspected. A tire and alignment shop is a good place to have the inspection done. Most of them can handle the brake system inspection too.
Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 8:01 AM
