Your car will produce thumping noises if the brake rotors go bad or wear out. It also means your brake rotors have been warped. Your car will thump from the front wheel of the car if the rotors are warped.
Why Does My Car Thump When I Brake?
If you hear thumping noises each time you brake, it is most likely associated with the brake rotors. However, the issue could be convoluted and require more attention depending on where the thumping sound is coming from.
When you hear such noises coming from the front end of your car, you have to get the brake rotors inspected at a moment’s notice. The other sections of this article will discuss why such a thing happens and how you can deal with it.
Thumping Noises From the Rear End
Typically, older cars and some of the newer models have drum brakes on the rear end of the car. If the thumping sound is coming from the rear end, it could indicate a problem with the rear brake drums.
When the problem concerns the rear brake drums, it can be pretty difficult to diagnose. Therefore, once you notice such an issue, you must be prompt to get your brakes examined by a professional.
Thumping Noises From the Front End
Thumping from the front end or front brakes typically indicates rotor damage. This is the most common conclusion when it comes to thumping noises.
Warped Brake Rotors
When the brake rotors are damaged, thumping noises start coming from the front wheels. This usually means that your rotors are warped. The rotors are the metal discs that can be seen behind the car wheel. Along with the thumping noises, you may experience a front-end shimmy through the steering wheel as well.
Other than this, sometimes the thumping can be caused by the pad material of the rotor itself. You have to look out for rotor dust if your car sits outside most of the time. This is because it can be the cause of the same thumping. In that case, you have to take help from a professional.
Signs of Bad Brake Rotors
As braking generates a lot of friction, the rotor surface becomes irregular over time. This causes braking considerably less effective and makes driving dangerous. Bad brake rotors show symptoms like increased stopping distances, groove marks, shimmying steering wheel, screeching noises upon applying the brake, etc.
If you detect any such issue, you have to be quick to take your car to the nearest garage. You should have the brakes checked to ensure your car’s long-term health along with your safety.
Why Does My Car Make a Thump When I Brake?
If the thumping noise is coming from the front end of your car, the issue is most likely that the brake rotors are warped and grooved. It is a fairly common issue as the brake rotors become uneven over time. Despite starting their lives as smooth and even, brake rotors wear out as time passes. Several other reasons are associated with it as well.
Why Do My Brakes Clunk When I Stop?
If you hear clunking noise whenever you brake at a low speed, it may indicate damage to different parts of the braking system. Worn-out disks, rotors, calipers, backing plates, etc. are some of the reasons why your brakes might clunk. You might also find it’s difficult to start.
You may find another clue by checking the bushings of the suspension system. This particular issue causes the suspension system to generate loose movement whenever you brake. As a result, you will hear clunking noises.
How Expensive Is It to Replace Rotors?
If your rotors are damaged or worn out, the most economical thing to do is to replace them. Rotors wear out over time and it is a given. Replacing the rotors may cost you between $30 to $75 for each of them.
In case you are hiring labor to replace the brake pads and rotors, it will cost you around $150 to $200 per axle. Normally, brake pads and rotors cost around $250 to $500 per axle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can worn brake pads cause clunking?
If the brake pad has a worn or missing spring clip, you may hear noises like single or multiple clunks. When this happens, the cylinder holds the pad against the disc which produces the clunks repeatedly.
How can you tell you need new rotors?
You can tell your rotors have aged if you see any kind of warping or wear. It will also show grooves. When the rotors have warped, you will have a hard time braking. Also when you brake, they will produce thumping or clunking noises which can be very annoying.
Conclusion
Thumping noises from the brake rotors are extremely annoying and you would not want to ruin your fun driving because of that. Normally, the most plausible fix is the replacement of the brake pads and the rotors. Regardless, if you are hearing thumping noises, prioritize your safety and get your car to a mechanic quickly.
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