MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: john87 on September 02, 2014, 11:00:06 pm

Title: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: john87 on September 02, 2014, 11:00:06 pm
Almost every time I brake for the first time after reversing, the brake pads (front ones I think) give a clunk as if they are moving inside the carrier. The same happens once I go into a forward gear and brake for the first time while heading in that direction.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I should add that the car is a mk5 R32; my previous mk5 GTI didn't suffer from this, I doubt it's something to be worried about as the brakes work great otherwise, but will definitely mention it when it goes in for a service later this year.
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: rich83 on September 03, 2014, 08:13:09 am
Are you using OEM brake pads?
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: john87 on September 03, 2014, 09:56:32 am
Yeah as far as I know - the pads and discs were replaced by the dealer when I bought the car
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: Carpy25 on September 03, 2014, 01:12:45 pm
 Loose caliper bolt ? I had this on a different car when the thread in the carrier had stripped

Rob
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: marko on September 03, 2014, 02:27:41 pm
Not something that should be put on the long finger...
Get it sorted mate before something drastic happens
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: J6JCC-GTI on September 03, 2014, 06:32:53 pm
If everything is tight it'll be a slack fitting brake pad, if they are genuine pads they shouldn't do this. You can either replace the pads of make them a tighter fit by bruising the ends of the pads with a hammer(bit gash but it works) :happy2:
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: Carl123 on September 03, 2014, 07:57:15 pm
It could be a wishbone or some kind of balljoint that the rubber seal has perished causing it to knock
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: DANBOY66 on September 03, 2014, 08:01:05 pm
I have this

changed pads and springs and it got better but still does it sometimes

dan...
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: john87 on September 04, 2014, 10:01:02 am
Thanks for the responses folks, it's definitely related to the pads, not suspension components etc.

I had a look at the brakes a few weeks ago and nothing seems to be loose, however it defintely doesn't seem 'normal' and will make sure it gets remedied when it goes in shortly for its service.
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: Scottymon on September 04, 2014, 01:52:21 pm
Sticking caliper piston.
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: doylebros on September 05, 2014, 06:38:59 pm
Sticking caliper piston.

+1 for me on the above - this a common cause :happy2:
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: john87 on September 05, 2014, 08:41:18 pm
All the wheels spin as free as they possibly could do when jacked up.. surely a sticking piston would be obvious? It sounds more like the pad is moving up/down slightly inside the carrier  :confused:

*EDIT*

I should add that I only hear the noise when I press the brakes
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: J6JCC-GTI on September 07, 2014, 04:28:33 pm
Defo a loose pad!! :happy2:
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: dajonic on September 07, 2014, 05:01:15 pm
Check the little screw that holds the disc in place on the hub. Mine sheared off and makes the same little clunk as the brakes bite and there's a fraction of a mil as the disc slides on the hub. Not a serious problem as the discs are held in place by the wheel bolts but still something you'll want to get sorted.
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: DANBOY66 on September 07, 2014, 05:22:49 pm
I think your on the money with the little screws  one of mine was loose and it bent and I had one from a ttrs brake set up I sold so replaced it  with a used one from that kit
maybe that's why it's got better I might loctite them in place
Dan
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: Scottymon on September 07, 2014, 05:27:51 pm
I find it bizarre the locator screw would make any difference, as you say the wheel bolts clamp the disc with signficantly more force.

I don't think I have a disc locator screw left on any of mine. :ashamed:  But no noise.

Have you tried Ceratec'ing the pads, slider pins etc.?
Title: Re: 'Clunk' from brake pads when changing direction
Post by: Mac210882 on September 14, 2014, 05:48:34 pm
I had this once on a Clio 172 and it turned out to be a loose caliper bolt. It could also be an incorrectly sized pad, if it was a dealer that did the work, unfortunately it wouldn't surprise me if they slotted the wrong pads in there. I'd definitely take it back for a checkup.