Clunking noise when braking?

Tiny
SKWALLA
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 SUBARU LEGACY
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,000 MILES
At the end of a 2.5-hour drive yesterday I noticed when braking, especially at low speeds, my car was making a clunking noise near the front left tire. Shortly after, I hit a bumpy stretch of road, and the problem went away; making me think it was simply a piece of debris making a rubbing noise and I thought it was no big deal. However, this morning I took my car out again and noticed the issue happening consistently on a short drive. There are no warning lights illuminated on my dash and there are no performance issues with my car. Besides the noise I am braking fine and when my car is accelerating or cruising there is no noise whatsoever. There are no steering issues and if you took my car out you would assume it is in perfect condition until the noise happens. I am up to date on oil and had my brakes replaced only a couple months ago. I am unable to fix whatever is causing this myself, but my main question is whether or not this a minor enough issue for me to drive the 2.5 hours back home and have it looked at by a local mechanic, as opposed to finding one at my current location where it would be an extreme hassle. Thanks.
Thursday, February 29th, 2024 AT 11:53 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
When it comes to brakes, I don't like telling people it will be okay when you hear a noise, what comes to mind is the brake job that was done if the mechanic didn't tighten the caliper bolts it would act this way and make the sounds you are describing. Here are the bolts I am talking about so you can see. You might be able to simply look under the car and see if this is the problem. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, February 29th, 2024 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
SKWALLA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I can try and look in the morning. However, I do not have a way to lift my car as of now. It is worth noting that the brake job was done by my dealership three+ months ago and only now has this popped up as an issue. Thanks.
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Thursday, February 29th, 2024 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

It is possible that something wasn't fully tightened and has come loose. Have you been able to check as Ken mentioned above?

Let us know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
SKWALLA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
These are some photos. Best I can do being generally ignorant of the subject and unable to get underneath my vehicle.
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
SKWALLA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here:
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
SKWALLA
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
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Sunday, March 10th, 2024 AT 1:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Yep, stop driving the car, the brake caliper mounting bolt has fallen out and the caliper is held on only by one bolt. Please remove the tire and replace the bolt.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/wheel-removal-and-re-installation

Let us know if you need anything else.
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Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Anything?
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Saturday, May 11th, 2024 AT 11:52 AM

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