Knocking noise/feeling in brake pedal

RBGLE00

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DURANGO

I have the vehicle listed above with mileage of 43,000, V8 (non-Hemi), automatic, 4WD. I bought the truck new in 2004. Over the past few months, I have started to feel and hear a knocking against the floorboard and slightly within the brake pedal when stepping on the brakes to stop. I would start feeling the knocking 45 MPH and under. The knocking feeling would only start after the truck had been driven for awhile that day (evening commute home from work is when it started acting up).

I also had a squealing noise coming from the brakes so the last time that I took it to my dealer for service/maintenance, I mentioned the knocking and the squealing issues. The brake pads were replaced (at my request, to resolve the squealing) and they said that the knocking was no issue and I was probably just feeling the calipers.

The knocking feeling/noise also went away temporarily after the brake pads were replaced. After about two weeks, the knocking feeling/noise returned and with a vengeance. It is now acting up again on the commute home or if I am doing a lot of stopping and starting driving. Now when I turn the wheel and my foot may or may not be on the brake, the knocking noise and feeling can be felt through the brake pedal, floor board, and the steering wheel.

After stopping, once I release the brake and hit the gas pedal, there is one final knock until the next time I use the brake.

I am taking the vehicle back to the dealer on Tuesday for them to look at this issue again and I have a feeling they are going to tell me that it is the calipers and everything is fine. Help!

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Possibly the rotors were not replaced when the pads were or worse yet they were machined. There are plenty of independent garages that can help you, so don't feel obligated to go to the dealer.

The noise sounds like pulsation or warped rotors more precisely. Without feeling it, it is hard to say. Normally you won't feel it unless your are braking, but in rare cases it is still felt. The calipers may be sticking also, contributing to the problem.

I am inclined to think they will find something, with a little hope, it will be the source. Regardless a technician need to look at it.

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Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 AT 9:05 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

What you described sounds like warped brake rotors. If they were not replaced when the pads were, that is what I would recommend doing. Here are the directions for replacement of the rotors. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

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2004 Dodge or Ram Truck Durango 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N
Front Brake Rotor
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Disc Brake System Brake Rotor/Disc Service and Repair Procedures Brake Rotor - Removal and Installation Front Brake Rotor
FRONT BRAKE ROTOR
REMOVAL

pic 1

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly

pic 2

3. Remove the caliper (2) from the steering knuckle (1), and remove caliper adapter assembly.

Note: Do not allow brake hose to support caliper adapter assembly.

Pic 3

4. Remove the rotor (1) from the hub/bearing wheel studs (2).

INSTALLATION

pic 4

1. On models with all-wheel antilock system (ABS), check condition of tone wheel on hub/bearing. If teeth on wheel are damaged, hub/bearing assembly will have to be replaced (tone wheel is not serviced separately).
2. Install the rotor (1) onto the hub/bearing wheel studs (2).

Pic 5

3. Install the caliper adapter assembly (2), and tighten adapter bolts to 176 Nm (B0 ft. Lbs.).
4. Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle.
5. Apply the brakes several times to seat brake pads. Be sure to obtain firm pedal before moving vehicle.

_________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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