Why does my car make a clunking noise while braking?

Mathew Flack • September 20, 2024

your brakes making noise NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT

Why Does My Car Make A Clunking Noise When Braking ...


A clunking noise when braking can be concerning, and it could indicate a variety of underlying

issues. Here's a breakdown of some of the common causes:


1. Worn Brake Pads


● Description: Brake pads wear out over time, and when they get too thin, they may not

engage properly with the brake rotors. This can cause a clunking or knocking sound

when braking.

● Solution: Check the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.


2. Loose or Damaged Brake Components


● Description: If any of the components in your brake system (calipers, rotors, or

brackets) are loose or damaged, they might shift when braking, leading to a clunking

noise.

● Solution: Have a mechanic inspect the brake assembly to ensure everything is securely

fastened and functioning properly.


3. Worn Suspension Components


● Description: The suspension system, including control arms, ball joints, and bushings,

plays a role in keeping your car stable. If any of these parts are worn out, you may hear

a clunking noise when braking.

● Solution: Suspension components should be checked for wear and replaced as

needed.


4. Loose Lug Nuts


● Description: If the lug nuts on your wheels are not tightened to the correct torque, the

wheel may shift slightly when braking, causing a clunking sound.

● Solution: Check and retighten the lug nuts according to the manufacturer's

specifications.


5. Worn CV Joints or Axles


● Description: The CV joints and axles transfer power from the transmission to the

wheels. If these are worn or damaged, you may hear a clunking noise, especially when

decelerating or braking.

● Solution: A mechanic can inspect and replace worn CV joints or axles.


6. Damaged or Warped Rotors


● Description: Rotors can become warped over time due to excessive heat or wear,

leading to uneven braking. This can cause vibrations and clunking noises when the

brake pads engage the rotor.

● Solution: Rotors may need resurfacing or replacement if they are damaged.


7. Brake Caliper Issues


● Description: The brake caliper houses the brake pads and pistons. If the caliper is

sticking or not properly aligned, it can cause noise when braking.

● Solution: The calipers may need cleaning, lubrication, or replacement if they are

damaged.


8. Loose or Broken Anti-Rattle Clips


● Description: Anti-rattle clips are designed to keep the brake pads in place. If these clips

are loose or broken, the pads may shift slightly and cause a clunking sound.

● Solution: Replace any broken or loose anti-rattle clips.


9. Wheel Bearing Issues


● Description: A worn or damaged wheel bearing can cause a variety of noises, including

clunking, when braking.

● Solution: The wheel bearings may need to be replaced by a professional mechanic.


10. Excessive Brake Dust


● Description: In some cases, an excessive buildup of brake dust on the calipers and

pads can cause noise when braking.

● Solution: Cleaning the brake components may resolve the issue.



Conclusion

A clunking noise when braking can stem from various issues, ranging from simple problems like

loose components to more serious ones like suspension or braking system wear. It's essential to

address the issue promptly to ensure your car's safety and avoid further damage.

If you're unsure about the cause, it's always wise to have a professional mechanic inspect the

vehicle. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to unusual noises can help prevent costly

repairs in the future.


https://youtu.be/zS_AxWMNcUs

By Victory Lane Automotive August 23, 2025
Ensure comfort year-round with top-notch AC repair & service at Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX. Schedule an appointment today!
By Mathew Flack August 13, 2025
Keep It or Trade It? Why Hanging onto Your Vehicle May Be the Smarter Move! With new car prices at an all-time high, many drivers are facing a big decision: do I invest in maintaining my current vehicle, or is it time to buy something new? The temptation of that “new car smell” is real—but so is the reality of $1,000 + monthly car payments. According to recent data, the average new vehicle loan is now over $1,000 per month before factoring in insurance, taxes, and fees. That’s a big chunk of change coming out of your wallet every single month—often for 6 to 7 years. The True Cost of Ownership: New vs. Existing Vehicle Let’s say your current car or truck needs $1,500 in repairs or maintenance. It might feel like a lot upfront, but compare that to dropping $12,000+ per year on a new vehicle loan. That $1,500 investment could buy you another year (or several) of reliable driving—without the monthly financial pressure. And here's the thing: even new cars require maintenance. Oil changes, brakes, tire rotations, alignments, and fluid flushes don’t disappear just because the car is newer. If you already stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance, you’re more than halfway to extending its lifespan and keeping it dependable. What Maintenance Really Means Many customers come to us thinking their vehicle is “on its last leg,” when really, it just needs a little TLC. At Victory Lane Automotive, we focus on preventative maintenance—things like: • Fluid checks and replacements • Suspension and steering inspections • Battery and charging system testing • Brake services • Cooling system and radiator checks • Regular oil changes These aren't just repairs—they’re investments in keeping your vehicle running stronger, longer. Your Vehicle Might Be Worth More Than You Think Modern vehicles are built to last well past 150,000 or even 200,000 miles with proper care. If your car is paid off and still running well, it may be more valuable sitting in your driveway than trying to sell or trade it in. Plus, you’re familiar with it. You know how it drives, its quirks, and its history. A new vehicle? That’s a whole new learning curve—and potentially a whole new list of unexpected issues. The Bottom Line: Before you sign up for years of payments and interest, consider this: could your current vehicle just need a little maintenance love? At Victory Lane Automotive, we can help you weigh your options honestly and provide a thorough vehicle inspection to assess what’s needed (and what’s not). If you’re sold on trading in your current vehicle, we provide a pre-purchase inspection—which is a detailed health report of the vehicle with recommended repairs/services in order to plan ahead for your future vehicle. Keep our customer’s well informed and creating a stress-free experience is what we aim for. Our ASE-certified technicians are here to keep your car safe, reliable, and road-ready. Schedule a diagnostic or inspection today—and drive with confidence.
By Mathew Flack August 5, 2025
Is Your Car Due for a Tune-Up? Here's What You Need to Know ... If your car’s been running a little rough, your gas mileage has dropped, or your check engine light won’t turn off—it's probably time for a tune-up. At Victory Lane Auto, we specialize in tune-up services for all makes and models, especially European vehicles. Whether you're in San Antonio, Schertz, Selma, Converse , or Live Oak , our ASE-certified technicians are here to keep your engine running at its best. 🔧 What is a Tune-Up? A car tune-up is preventative maintenance that helps keep your engine performing efficiently and reliably. It typically includes: • Replacing spark plugs • Inspecting and replacing air filters • Checking ignition timing • Cleaning the fuel system • Testing battery and charging systems These small services go a long way in avoiding costly repairs down the road. 🚨 Signs You Need a Tune-Up If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, search no further than Victory Lane Auto: • Engine misfires or idles rough • Poor fuel economy • Difficulty starting • Loss of power or acceleration (sluggish) • Dashboard warning lights (especially the check engine light) Searching "car running rough near me" or "why is my engine shaking?"? We’ve got answers—and solutions. Your driving habits, environment (roads/climate) attribute to what and when services are recommended. 🌟 Why Choose Victory Lane Automotive? ✅ Family-Owned and Operated ✅ ASE-Certified Technicians ✅ 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Warranty ✅ European Vehicle Specialists ✅ Friendly, Honest Service Our shop at 264 Kitty Hawk Rd in Universal City is just minutes from Selma, Live Oak, Converse , and Schertz , and we offer courtesy shuttles and loaner cars for your convenience. 🛠 When to Schedule a Tune-Up Every vehicle is different, but as a rule of thumb, schedule a tune-up every 30,000 miles or once a year—whichever comes first. If you’re unsure, come in for a multi-point inspection and we’ll let you know what your vehicle needs. Ready to Schedule? Stop searching "best tune-up near me"—Victory Lane Auto is your trusted neighborhood shop. Book your tune-up today and keep your car running like new. 📞 Call us at (210) 658-8325 📍 Visit: https://www.victorylane-uc.com/
By Mathew Flack July 30, 2025
WHY IS MY CAR PULLING? WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEAR ME Wondering if your vehicle is due for a wheel alignment? Ask yourself these questions: • Does your steering wheel sit off-center? • Does your vehicle veer or pull in one direction? • Does your vehicle vibrate while driving? • Do you notice uneven tire wear? These issues can occur naturally over time due to aging parts- or suddenly after hitting an unavoidable pothole or curb. Your vehicle is designed with preset angles determined by the manufacturer to ensure your tires are properly aligned with each other and the road. When even one wheel is out of alignment (meaning it's angled differently than intended), your vehicle won’t drive as smoothly or efficiently. During your visit to Victory Lane Auto , we’ll include a detailed diagram in your Digital Vehicle Inspection showing the alignment angles of your vehicle: • Caster: Compares the steering axis to the vertical axis from a side view of the vehicle. • Camber: Measures the vertical tilt of the wheels from the front or rear view. • Toe: Indicates whether the wheels point inward or outward when viewed from above. A proper wheel alignment improves drivability, prevents uneven tire wear, and extends the life of your tires. We recommend checking your alignment every other oil change, at least once a year, or immediately after buying new tires- especially if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above. 📞 Give us a call at (210) 658-8325 for a professional alignment check. We'll also inspect your tires, steering, and suspension components. We look forward to serving you-and earning your trust as a lifelong customer!
By Mathew Flack July 29, 2025
WHY ARE MY BRAKES SQUEAKING? Are you hearing a squeaking or squealing sound whenever you apply the brakes? Depending on how often and when you’re hearing the squeaking/squealing, this could be a sign that it’s time to service your brakes. It’s not uncommon to hear a squeaking or squealing noise when you first start up your vehicle or after a shift in weather/temperatures- like rain, snow, or humidity (we know humidity far too well here in Texas). This is a result of moisture and dirt being scraped off the surface of the rotors by the brakes pads whenever you apply the brakes. Once your brake pads and rotors are at work and heat up, and the noise stops you’re in the clear but we still advice to have your brakes inspected once a year! A constant squeaking or squealing, or an increase in noise may be your vehicle telling you it’s time to inspect your brake system to see what’s going on- it may be time to replace parts in your brake system. That high pitch squealing is quite annoying but extremely crucial being that it may be the metal tabs built in on the brake pads, which are designed to scrape the rotors once they’re worn to its minimal safety thickness! A warped rotor (meaning the rotor has uneven wear) may also be a playing factor as to why you’re hearing noises when applying your brakes, that’s because your brake pads are intended to function on a flat surface. Ultimately your brake system is such a crucial safety component in your vehicle, and a constant squeaking/squealing are sure signs that it’s time for a brake inspection. Set up your next appointment at (210) 658-8325 and have one of our ASE certified technicians do a thorough inspection for you and keep you safe on the road!!
By Victory Lane Automotive July 26, 2025
Discover reliable brake repair at Victory Lane Automotive in Universal City, TX. Secure your safety on the road. Schedule an online appointment now!
June 30, 2025
Getting your car ready for back to school?
By Victory Lane Automotive June 28, 2025
Ensure top performance with Victory Lane Automotive's expert belt and hose service in Universal City, TX. Quality care for your vehicle. Visit us today!
June 23, 2025
What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?
June 16, 2025
5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore