[roofgoof]

I just purchased a 2006 Escape XLT and of course the next day I hear a "clunking" sound when I apply the brakes at various speeds. Called the dealership to solve problem however I cannot get my vehicle into their shops due to conflicting hours with my work schedule.

Anyone experience this problem or have ideas so I can troubleshoot this on my own time for now?

Thanks

 

[Squishy]

My first thought would be a loose caliper. Does the clunk only happen when you brake, or also when you go over certain types of bumps (e.g., speed bump, driveway entrance)?

 

[SGecko]

I had a similar issue with Cognito. It sounded almost like a linkage or similar issue with me. After getting it back from the shop yesterday, though, it seems to have gone away. I'll check the list of things they did and post them here tonight. Maybe it'll give you some hints?

Good luck!
- sG

 

[roofgoof]

Thanks for your replys, and yes the noise is only when I brake. I am by no means vehicle-savvy so I am going to have to live with it until sometime next week at the earliest for me to get it in the shop. It is just frustrating that I just bought it and have had my first issue with it already. :wall:

 

[SGecko]

So it turns out that I do still have a random clunk when braking. The shop didn't do anything special, either.

Let us know what you find out, and I'll do the same.

- sG

 

[CrashNburn]

if you are capable of removing your tires, im sure between the techs we have on here you could be talked through a few simple checks for your front calipers. but first thing i want you to do.

go to a road with minimal to no traffic. drive at 50km/hr. down the middle of the road, this is to take away the road crown affect. (road slopes towards the edges). take your foot off the gas so you are coasting. and slowly apply the brake and take your hands OFF the steering wheel. your vehicle should come to a complete stop in a straight line. after you have done this. do the same thing only apply your brakes a bit harder and then slowly accelerate again with your hands OFF the wheel. if you apply your brakes then release them and hit the throttle gently accelerate.. your vehicle should stay straight. if you have a sticky caliper or something jamming up your brakes the second test will tell you what side. if your steering wheel jerks to one side or the other then you know its the front. if your vehicle pulls to one side but the steering wheel doesnt turn too fast then you might have a problem on the side it travels towards in the rear.

i hope that will help you with your start. OR you could take it to a shop that offers a Free brake inspection. but just be careful cause the inspection is free, but the problems they find are not. so make sure you ask for all your damaged parts back. if they need to return them for a core charge then ask to see them before they box them up.

happy diagnosing.

 

[Squishy]

You do have to be gentle when accelerating in that test. Give it lots of gas and it will torque steer you into a ditch. :doh:

 

[CrashNburn]

You do have to be gentle when accelerating in that test. Give it lots of gas and it will torque steer you into a ditch. :doh:

you got that right! good point.

 

[drewverde]

ABS malfunction maybe???

 

[roofgoof]

I actually just got this problem fixed from the dealership. Not sure what the actual problem was, the mechanics were gone for the day so I didnt speak to them but the paperwork I was provided just stated "replaced front brake" so whatever that entailed it worked... no more clunking!

 

[BLKXLT]

Might have been as simple as a loose caliper or an anti rattle clip that was left off.
The clips were left off from my Escape's last brake job. Easy to view through the wheel to verify and can be purchased from about any autopart store for a few $$.

I actually just got this problem fixed from the dealership. Not sure what the actual problem was, the mechanics were gone for the day so I didnt speak to them but the paperwork I was provided just stated "replaced front brake" so whatever that entailed it worked... no more clunking!

If they replaced a front brake pad, it should be done in pairs. I'm assuming it was the caliper?