If you are experiencing a knocking noise when braking, then you are not alone. This can be a very annoying and concerning problem, especially if you are driving when the noise occurs. In this post, we will discuss the most common causes of knocking noise when braking and how to fix them.
Knocking Noise When Braking Causes
Worn Out Control Arm Bushes:
This is a common cause of knocking noise when braking, These are the rubber parts that connect the control arms to the frame of your car and help to keep them in place while you’re driving.
These bushings wear out over time and can cause a knocking noise when braking. If you notice this type of noise, it’s best to have them replaced as soon as possible. The sooner you get them replaced, the less likely it is that you’ll need to replace other components such as control arms or ball joints.
According to yitamoto.com control arm bushings last anywhere between 40 000 to 100 000 miles, if your vehicle has over 40 000 miles on it, then it’s a safe bet that they’re worn out and need to be replaced.
Worn Brake Pads:
Worn brake pads will make a lot of noise when braking. This is because the friction material in the brake pad has worn down to the metal backing plate.
The worn friction material will slide against the metal backing plate causing a loud grinding noise. If you have worn brake pads, they will need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent damage to other parts on your vehicle.
Damaged Calipers:
The calipers are located at each wheel and they hold the brake pads in place so they can stop your car or truck when you apply pressure to the pedal.
If one or both calipers are damaged or broken, there may be excessive play in them which could cause knocking noises when braking. If there is excessive play in one or both calipers, then they will need to be replaced before you continue driving your vehicle until it can be repaired by a professional mechanic
Worn Discs:
This may seem obvious, but another reason why your vehicle may be making the knocking noise when braking could be due to worn discs.
If your rotors or brake pads have worn down too much, then this means that there is not enough material left for them to grip onto when you apply the brakes and so they will just slide over the surface of your rotors without stopping them completely.
This can cause a lot of damage if it happens suddenly and results in metal-on-metal contact between your rotors and pads which will lead.
Poor wheel alignment:
If your vehicle has poor wheel alignment, this could cause a knocking noise when braking. Your wheels should all be straight and parallel with each other, but if they are not aligned, then this will cause the knocking noise when braking.
The tireshop will need to realign all four wheels so that they are straight with each other and parallel with each other as well.
Can You Drive With Knocking Noise When Braking?
You can drive with a knocking noise when braking, but it’s not recommended. The problem is that the brakes are only as good as the pads and rotors they’re pressing against, so if something is wrong with either of those components, they won’t work as well as they should. In fact, in some cases, a bad brake job can result in your car not stopping at all which could be very dangerous!
What to Do When You Hear a Knocking Sound When Braking?
If you hear a knocking sound when braking, it may be due to a worn-out brake pad. This can be easily repaired in most cases.
The most common cause is the control arm bushings, they are also relatively easy to replace depending on the vehicle in some cases you will need to replace all control arms.
Another common cause of a knocking sound is the front brake rotors. If they are worn, they can wear down and become warped, which will also cause you to hear a knocking sound when braking. This can be repaired by resurfacing the rotors or replacing them entirely.
However, it is best you get the braking system and suspension checked asap, especially if you hear the knocking sound while driving is getting worse.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.