Clanking noise applying brakes

Hi
I have a '98 Mercury Sable, same as the Taurus, and wondered if anyone could tell me possible reasons there would be a clanking type noise that comes from under front seats when the brakes are applied. It does not make this sound while turning, just brakes. I've also noticed the front right struts squeaking, signaling it's kaput. The wheel does not shake with the noise and it is not rythmic, just occasional, but always with the brakes.
If it's just noise that isn't hurting anything then that is fine, the radio covers it up. But if it is signaling something major about to break I'd like some heads up. Appreciate any help, thanks!!
pammyboat

You should have the brakes inspected. You may be lucky enough that the noise you are hearing is caused by a missing or broken anti-rattle spring on a brake pad. Does it only make the noise just as you apply the brakes (single clank) or when it's making the noise, is it continuous until the car stops? Does it matter how aggressively you apply the brakes?

As for the squeak in the right front, why do you say it's the strut? Does it do it when you go over bumps, or on turns, or both? You may have a dry ball joint or outer tie rod end causing your squeak. If it does it on turns, then I would start with the outer tie rod end. If it's on bumps, I'd suspect ball joint. I've experienced squeaky outer tie rod ends on numerous Fords.

-Rod

The noise doesn't happen immediately after applying the brakes, more like just a bit after applying. And more than once until the car stops. I've braked more aggressive and was a gentle as could be, it didn't seem to matter, got the same clanking. It's like when the motion from the car is pulled towards the front, from the momentum reversing while applying breaks, is when the noise would happen. I hope that made sense. Is that suspension?

I was thinking strut cause it was when I went over a gentle hill, and the squeak sounded with the bounce of the car, equal ratio to car lift/settle to squeak. If it's a ball joint would that need to be replaced or would something simpler work? I didn't notice it on turns, but will take it out again and listen very intently and report back.

Thank you for your help!! My hubby isn't for sure what it is. We did purchase a manual to repair it ourselves and went over the book looking for causes, yet this particular symptom wasn't in there. Thanks again!



You should have the brakes inspected. You may be lucky enough that the noise you are hearing is caused by a missing or broken anti-rattle spring on a brake pad. Does it only make the noise just as you apply the brakes (single clank) or when it's making the noise, is it continuous until the car stops? Does it matter how aggressively you apply the brakes?

As for the squeak in the right front, why do you say it's the strut? Does it do it when you go over bumps, or on turns, or both? You may have a dry ball joint or outer tie rod end causing your squeak. If it does it on turns, then I would start with the outer tie rod end. If it's on bumps, I'd suspect ball joint. I've experienced squeaky outer tie rod ends on numerous Fords.

-Rod

Since the noise doesn't seem any better during aggressive braking, a missing anti-rattle clip is probably not your problem. Does your car have rear drum brakes? If so, pull the drums and check for broken or loose springs in the braking mechanism.

Do you have a corresponding brake pedal pulsation or vibration in the steering wheel with the clank?

Also, check all the lugnuts and make sure they are tight.

-Rod

I honestly don't know if my car has rear drum brakes. It didn't come with any sort of manual. I could research it online and get back to you on that part. Or if I knew what to look for I will check myself. :) I will also check the lugnuts, just to be sure.

Nope, can't feel any vibration in the steering with the noise or on the brake pedal. It reminds me of a sound of something hitting the underside of my floor near where I sit. And it might sound crazy, but it seems to get worse the longer I drive it, or the more warmed up it gets. Hope that makes sense.

Also, I did check the strut noise, it does squeak while going over bumps, but not while turning (unless I hit a bump while turning).

Thanks again for all your help, I greatly appreciate it.

Since the noise doesn't seem any better during aggressive braking, a missing anti-rattle clip is probably not your problem. Does your car have rear drum brakes? If so, pull the drums and check for broken or loose springs in the braking mechanism.

Do you have a corresponding brake pedal pulsation or vibration in the steering wheel with the clank?

Also, check all the lugnuts and make sure they are tight.

-Rod

Depending on your wheels, you can probably check for yourself quite easily if you have drum or disc brakes. If your wheels have fairly large openings (wheels, not hubcaps), look through the rear wheels and if you see a flat, round shiney disc (parallel to the wheel and behind it) you have rear disc brakes. It will look very similar to what you would see if you looked through the large openings of your front wheels, but the disc will be slightly smaller in diameter. If you look through the opening and you don't see a shiney disc, but rather a dark, possibly rusty finned "drum" you have drum brakes.

You don't by chance have something large rolling around in your trunk causing the noise, do you? You may want to check in your spare tire well in the trunck also. :)

-Rod

Hi
I have a '98 Mercury Sable, same as the Taurus, and wondered if anyone could tell me possible reasons there would be a clanking type noise that comes from under front seats when the brakes are applied. It does not make this sound while turning, just brakes. I've also noticed the front right struts squeaking, signaling it's kaput. The wheel does not shake with the noise and it is not rythmic, just occasional, but always with the brakes.
If it's just noise that isn't hurting anything then that is fine, the radio covers it up. But if it is signaling something major about to break I'd like some heads up. Appreciate any help, thanks!!
pammyboat

Your subframe mounts under your seat. I'm thinking that your subframe bushings may be wearing out or the bolts holding the subframe are coming loose thus possible causing the clanking under your seat.

Just a thought from afar.

Regards

Dan

That's a good thought. That's exactly what is known to cause a similar noise on many Volkswagens and Audi's. There is a service bulletin on it for VW and I believe a recall on the Audi. The bolts they used originally stretch or something and get loose, causing a rattle noise that sounds like something's about ready to fall off the car.

-Rod