Brakes clunk, could it be a design flaw?

Tiny
BOBNJAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2020 NISSAN ROGUE
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 27,000 MILES
I have a moderately loud clunking noise from underneath (I think) my vehicle when maneuvering at slow speeds in and out of parking spots, etc. My local Nissan dealer says that it is a normal and known sound with Nissan brake design. They said it has to do with the brake pads shifting inside the caliper setup apparently and cannot be adjusted or fixed! I have been told the same by a BrakeMasters dealer and a local independent repair shop. I do not find that an acceptable answer, and I want to know if there is a TSB that addresses this issue, one that my dealership does not seem to know about. My previous model Rogue (2015) did not have this problem, and no other car model I have owned has had this problem. What's the story?
Thursday, June 15th, 2023 AT 2:02 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,520 POSTS
The brakes are not supposed to make noise, period. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. There is a TSB that addresses this issue which basically says to redo the brake and to make sure the pad anti rattle clips are in place, but I have seen a loose brake caliper cause this issue as well. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, June 16th, 2023 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
BOBNJAN
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  • 2 POSTS
It should be noted that the brake pedal is not always depressed when the clunk occurs. Often the car is simply slowly backing up, turning, or moving forward when it occurs. In the attached video(s) listen for the sound like someone knocking once on your front door. Ignore other sounds.
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Saturday, June 17th, 2023 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,520 POSTS
Thank you for the videos, they helped. It sounds like the brakes may not be the problem, it sounds more like the subframe, or a suspension component is loose, or you have a broken bolt. I would have the car put on a lift for inspection, can I ask the location of where the sounds seem to be coming from, this would be the area to focus on. Please let us know how it goes.
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Monday, June 19th, 2023 AT 10:43 AM

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