Clunk, clunk...

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:16 pm

Hi

I used to have a Visa that clunked when I was reversing and braked. Both my BXs do it a bit but one's got noticably worse since new discs/pads. Wot 2 do?

M · Post by M » Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:24 pm

Does it clunk from the front or the rear?

Common causes of clunks:

Loose Pad/ shoe moving when brake applied
Knackered subframe mounting bushes
Knackered engine mount(s) (often the clunk is felt through the steering wheel)
Exhaust loose (though often audible whilst doing other activities)
Loose spare wheel
Bottle / can of de-icer rolling round the boot
Bloke on bicycle you have just reversed over knocking on petrol tank

Cornishbx16v · Post by **Cornishbx16v** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:08 pm

Mine clunks when reversing and braking! normally apply copper grease to the back of the pads to stop the loud noise from it!!!

Ian_Fearn · Post by **Ian_Fearn** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 6:11 pm

Agreed with Timmo, i've seen this on a couple of BX's.

DavidRutherford · Post by **DavidRutherford** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 6:51 pm

Marty wrote:Bloke on bicycle you have just reversed over knocking on petrol tank

Should we be worried that you list this as a COMMON cause of clunks?

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:23 pm

I don't think it always involves a bicycle

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:34 pm

It used to be said that anything but genuine or Bendix pads would clunk however, I've even fitted used pads on a couple of occasions and had no worries and I reckon it's to do with the design of the anti - rattle clips. The originals were half an inch longer than most aftermarket ones which I don't believe hold them in place securely enough.
Some have reckoned they use coppaslip on the back but I have this hang up about mixing grease and brake pads even if it is on the back, it's too close to the working area for my money.
Try playing with the retaining/anti rattle clips and see what happens; my guess is that they're either fitted incorrectly or are too short to hold the pads firmly.
Another favourite clunk is the rack ends as well as the balls seizing in the drop links, but if it started after new pads, that's the most likely cause IMHO.

Alan S