Metallic Clunking When braking...
 

I need some help diagnosing a bothersome "hopefully not safety related" metallic clunk when I'm braking, and I only hear it on braking. Noise is coming from the front, (maybe left side?). The sound is more evident when I'm gently stopping from a roll, not every time, but like every other time.

A few weeks back I've replaced pretty much the whole braking system on the Vert: lines, pads, rotors. I even got the master cylinder replaced just two days ago. When I bled the front left, I've noticed the wheel's inside hub to be a bit "chatter'ed" with some light grooving. I spun the rotor and it looks like the rotor isn't spinning in a "perfect" circle around the hub.

Could this be a wheel bearing issue, or a hub issue with my front right wheel? Or are there other areas of interest to inspect/check. Or do I need to check my work on the pads/rotors in that area again?

Kinda frustrating when you're in the driver's seat and trying to diagnose a sound from the front, when braking. :banghead: Thanks!

if the rotor was not spinning true I would suggest either the rotor is not sitting flush on the hub (build up on the hub that was not cleaned off properly before installation of the new disc)
Otherwise it is possible you have bad wheel bearings.

Do you have any pic of the "grooving" I mean you say the "wheels" inside hub.. I guess I don't understand what part u are talking about.

Warped rotor maybe?

Rotors are brand new off Tirerack.. Brembo blanks. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow inside of that front wheel, I have to clean/paint the rotor hats anyways. They're rusting already! That's why everyone needs a daily when owning 7's.

Maybe I'll rotate the wheels/tires and see if I get the same clunking.

Just because you have new rotors do not mean the rotor is TRUE..

it is possible to buy a new rotor that is warped.

Actually I am guessing that you have an s4 lower control arm. The bolts in them get loose and then you get that noise, certain bumps will also set it off. The s5 ones are on piece and do not do that.

The Vert is an S5, but I will check that area again.

Is it just one clunk and do you hear it over bumps?

sounds like an endlink or sway bar bushing, check to see if you can giggle it, its the sway bar has play around the bushing it will move and clunk when braking since the inertia "pushes" it forward towards the metal bushing holder thingy.

Well... I was cleaning my rotor hats this weekend and snapped these pics. Looks like my hub or wheel is off causing these marks right? Check out these pics:

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...1&d=1228769468

http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...1&d=1228769468

The clunking happens usually from slow braking, otherwise I can't hear it. It's intermittent, but I would say >90% of the time. From the pics above, it seems somethings not right with the wheel hub [obviously]? Before I go run out and start buying every used part around that area, what's causing that chatter? Unbalanced wheel? *shrugs*? TIA.

Stock or aftermarket wheels?

Checked wheel bearings for play already i assume?

Stock Vert meshies.

did you properly torque your lugnuts?

well... no... but I will do that today and see if it gets rid of that noise.

Any other ideas folks?

Yea check the screws on your brake rotors. I had one that came loose and it caused some strange clunking noises. I was suprised since I would have thought the lug nuts would have held it tight.