rear end knock

[lions83]

i have a 2000 taurus and when brake applied, there is a knocking sound not scraping or rubbing any ideas. brakes shoes looked ok

[shorod]

How loud is the knocking sound? Are you sure it's in the rear of the car? If you're sure it's in the rear, check the rear springs and check for a broken spring (both in the brakes and for the suspension). I don't think broken suspension springs were an issue still in 2000, but worth checking. Also, check in the trunk and spare tire well to make sure you don't have a wrench or other item rolling around everytime you hit the brakes. Do you notice the sound everytime you apply the brakes, or only when you apply the brakes aggressively?

If you're not positive the noise is in the rear, check the front subframe bolts and make sure they are tight. Also, check the front brake pads and make sure they are not loose in the calipers and rocking when the brakes are applied.

-Rod

[GPFred]

Something else to check for is broken anti-sway bar links. I went thru two sets of MOOG links before going OEM. Not sure what broke off the lower end of the link, but both ended up breaking and I would get a knock when I hit the brakes or in some cases rounded a corner. It was the broken end of the link hitting the sway bar.

[shorod]

Ahhh, yes, very good suggestion GPFred! The Taurus will have anti-sway bars front and rear.

-Rod

[97taurusdude]

If its the rear anti-sway bar thats broke , keep in mind you have to get it fixed before your next inspection. They will fail your car for that. Mine broke, the threads rusted till it snapped off the bolt on the end. 80.00 bucks labor...think parts where around 30.00. Mine was knocking around back there. On a 95 Contour 1 or more struts went out and made a knocking noise when I hit a small bump. And since alot of asphalt steets have lot of wavy little bumps leading up to traffic stops it could be strut knocking as you brake over those bumps.