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“Clunk” sound on stop
- Thread starter codeoverride
- Start date
I have the exact problem. 2014 Model S. RWD
When I back out of the driveway in the morning I get a clunk from the left front tire area. Then when I go forward I get a clunk again on the first stop. I do sometimes get it at a stop after having not braked for a while (using regen instead) but it ony happens at slow speed as I'm coming to a stop. I can brake at high speed and never here it. The brakes feel fine then but coming to a stop I hear the clunk and feel it through the brake.
I replaced the sway bar connector as it had a cracked seal - didn't fix it
I removed the brake pads, cleaned them up and lubricated them - didn't fix it (new pads at 160,000km. 190,000km on it now so they are barely worn)
Control arms look good and are solid.
By happenstance I spun the rotor by hand while my friend pressed the brake and I got a clunk. I can now recreate the sound on demand by spinning the rotor one way and braking and then spinning it the other way and braking. I've uploaded a video (sorry about the pump noise as it was hot in the garage and the cooling kicked on)
One thing I have noticed is the brake caliper "flexing" when the brake is applied. Is this normal? I have not pulled the other tire yet to check the other side. I've uploaded a second video showing the caliper flexing out as the brake is applied.
Any thoughts on this anyone? Kinda stumped. Thinking replacing the brake caliper might be the solution.
When I back out of the driveway in the morning I get a clunk from the left front tire area. Then when I go forward I get a clunk again on the first stop. I do sometimes get it at a stop after having not braked for a while (using regen instead) but it ony happens at slow speed as I'm coming to a stop. I can brake at high speed and never here it. The brakes feel fine then but coming to a stop I hear the clunk and feel it through the brake.
I replaced the sway bar connector as it had a cracked seal - didn't fix it
I removed the brake pads, cleaned them up and lubricated them - didn't fix it (new pads at 160,000km. 190,000km on it now so they are barely worn)
Control arms look good and are solid.
By happenstance I spun the rotor by hand while my friend pressed the brake and I got a clunk. I can now recreate the sound on demand by spinning the rotor one way and braking and then spinning it the other way and braking. I've uploaded a video (sorry about the pump noise as it was hot in the garage and the cooling kicked on)
OK ignore my last post 
I replaced the upper control arm and the clunk is now gone. Also the very slight vibration in the front that I was thinking I needed an alignment is now gone too.
The control arm seemed solid but the ball joint developed a squeek so I thought I should tackle it before going any further. Once I got it out the bushings do show some wear. I'll let you know if the clunk comes back but I think it is solved.
I replaced the upper control arm and the clunk is now gone. Also the very slight vibration in the front that I was thinking I needed an alignment is now gone too.The control arm seemed solid but the ball joint developed a squeek so I thought I should tackle it before going any further. Once I got it out the bushings do show some wear. I'll let you know if the clunk comes back but I think it is solved.
I have the same noise on my m3 2020. Did you ever found what was the issue?
Thank you
Hi I have the same noise on my 2020 m3 did you haver found out what it was?
Thanks
I recently developed same on 2022 M3LR at 9k miles. Seems to be pads moving in caliper at this stage. Due at SC tomorrow.
rpiotro
Active Member
Pretty likely. That is a common occurrence on many makes and models. When they don't move around in the caliper a little that would be a greater cause for concern. Stuck calipers.
