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What causes clunking when braking?

My Jeep Renegade is three years old. It is my first car, and I am still learning the ropes with maintenance and repairs. I have started noticing a clunking sound when I come to a stop. What causes clunking when braking?

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Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Kudos for taking the time to learn the ins and outs of your car! A little knowledge can go a long way. Clunking when braking is most likely caused by the failure of brake pads, fluid, calipers, rotors, or disks.
The most common cause of clunking when braking is worn brake pads. When brake pads wear down, they skip along with the rotor, which causes a clunking noise. If your brake pads are fine, other causes may be:
  • Air in your brake fluid. Air bubbles compress and pop as the brakes are applied, causing a clunking or popping noise.
  • Misaligned brake calipers, which can cause clunking when braking.
  • Warped rotors can also cause popping or clunking noise when braking.
  • A damaged or loose brake disc can also cause a clunking noise.
  • Your tires
    . Worn out or damaged tires can catch on the pads or calipers.
  • Fluid leaks, as they could be allowing air into the brake fluid.
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