Clunk sound when applying the brakes

Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
I recently changed the front brakes and rotors on my truck listed above 1500. I had a worn hub bearing so I replaced it as well. Ever since these parts have been changed, when I apply the brakes, a clunking sound comes from passenger side front. I didn't torque the hub bearing because I couldn't find the torque specs for it. I don't hear the noise unless going at real slow speed when applying brakes. If a tie rod end or ball joint or control arm bushing would be worn. It seems like I'd hear it when I run over a bump or a pothole. Which I don't. So what do you think is doing this? If you have the torque specs for brake guide pins and hub bearing, I can torque them to see if that solves the problem. Thanks for your help.
Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:17 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
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I would bet the hub is the noise. I attached the process for the 2WD. This is pretty high torque so if you didn't torque it then I would not go any further until you do.

Let us know what happens and if that does not solve it, you may need to inspect it to make sure there is no wear on it now. Also, can you get a recording of it if that doesn't fix it?
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I'll torque it tomorrow and let you know if it works. I don't know if I can get a recording of it or not. I'll torque it first to see.
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
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Sounds great. 120 ft lbs is pretty stout for a hub so I bet that will at least make a difference. Thanks we will wait to hear back.
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Thursday, October 1st, 2020 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I just want to make sure you gave me the correct torque specs for my truck. It's a Didge Ram 1500, quad cab, two wheel drive, 4.7 ltr engine. I just want to make sure.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 5:11 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I torqued everything to the specs. I don't hear the clunking sound as loud but it's still there. I will change hub bearing on opposite side and see if it stops. It has a slight "growl" when turning with being jacked up.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
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Okay. Growling/howling is a sign of the bearing so hopefully it is not damaged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-howling-noise

When you are driving it and load one side or the other does it make the noise better or worse? You do this by driving around 30 MPH and swerving back and forth and see if it comes and goes. If it does, try to notice which way you are turning when it gets worse as that is the side that the noise is normally coming from.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I torqued everything to specs. I checked both hub bearings for wear and damage. I didn't find anything. A bad ball joint or control arm bushing would clunk when I run over bumps especially at low speeds. I don't hear anything at low speeds. Only when I apply the brakes at low speeds. It sounds like a clunk but yet a loud crack noise. Kind of weird. I can't pin point where the sound is coming. Everything is torqued to specs. Brakes have new pads and new hardware, everything was greased upon installation. I just can't figure out what this is going on.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2020 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
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At this point, I would suggest standing outside the vehicle and have someone drive and brake so that you can hear the noise. At least we can confirm which side it is on and most of the time when you hear it from a different prospective, it triggers what it could be in your mind.

Also, is it something you can get a recording of? Us hearing it may help as well with some new ideas. Thanks
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I was going to change my rear brakes and found this. One of the front calipers is almost just like it.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
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I am not sure I understand. Was there a picture that was supposed to be attached? Sorry I am just not sure what you are referring too.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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Yes, I attached a picture of one of the rear brake calipers. I'll try to send it again.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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It finally uploaded. Well anyway, this is one of the rear brake calipers. I remember T least one front calipers is pretty much the same. I know they need to be replaced.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
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Oh my. That surely makes sense why they are noise when applying the brakes. Great catch. Let us know how it turns out but it looks like you found it.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2020 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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I can't afford to replace them all at once but I can replace two at a time. First front because 70% of stopping power comes from front brakes. Then I'll replace rear calipers.
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Monday, October 5th, 2020 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
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Sound reasoning. Let us know when you get it all resolved. Thanks for the update.
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 AT 4:06 PM

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