Clunk When Braking

[MME1122]

I'm having an issue where when I step on the brake, I hear a loud pop/clunk. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the car, and it only happens the first or second time I brake in the morning. I park on a slight incline, with the parking brake on and first gear selected. I've noticed it happen on flat ground too though. The odd part is if I step on the brake before releasing the parking brake, nothing happens. After releasing the parking brake and driving off, the first time I brake it'll happen.
I have ECS stainless brake lines, Hawk HPS 5.0 pads, and adams rotors all around the car if that matters.

Any ideas on what this is? Braking related or suspension related? Something to be concerned about or just an annoyance?
Thanks for any advice.

[Vendetta44]

I'm having an issue where when I step on the brake, I hear a loud pop/clunk. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the car, and it only happens the first or second time I brake in the morning. I park on a slight incline, with the parking brake on and first gear selected. I've noticed it happen on flat ground too though. The odd part is if I step on the brake before releasing the parking brake, nothing happens. After releasing the parking brake and driving off, the first time I brake it'll happen.
I have ECS stainless brake lines, Hawk HPS 5.0 pads, and adams rotors all around the car if that matters.

Any ideas on what this is? Braking related or suspension related? Something to be concerned about or just an annoyance?
Thanks for any advice.Control arm bushings. Get the car on a hoist. 9/10 that's what it is if nothing obvious. We see it alot on our A8 or any vehicle with over 120k miles. Recommend 034 density control arm kit

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[MME1122]

I had all the front upper control arms replaced ~30K miles ago under warranty, there was a lot of creaking/squeaking when I got the car and that solved it. But it wasn't clunking like this. What should I look for to tell if they're good or bad?

[Vendetta44]

I had all the front upper control arms replaced ~30K miles ago under warranty, there was a lot of creaking/squeaking when I got the car and that solved it. But it wasn't clunking like this. What should I look for to tell if they're good or bad?Torn bushings where the arm meets the car. Wouldn't be normal if all were done 30k miles ago but best guess without being able to look at it as far as what I've seen on these cars

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[slws4]

I second the above post. Its the LCA's. Probably shot bushings. i am currently in the same boat, but yea once you replace those you are good to go.

Aftermarket vs OEM as far as price is concerned I would just go aftermarket (stronger then OEM).

But if cost is a concern and if it's only bushings I am sure you can just swap bushings (need a press though)

[scls4]

I have a similar issue that I only notice the 1st time I use brakes in am when backing out of garage........its almost like there is play in the brake pads between forward and reverse......its only does it the 1st time I hit the brakes when backing out of garage....if I back into garage so my 1st braking is moving forward I get nothing. Literally only way I can replicate it is by backing up and using brakes for the 1st time of the day.

[theweebabyseamus]

A lot people (or Ive heard of this more) when people hit the brakes going in reverse. I had the issue and it resolved when I switched out my pads.

[MME1122]

I looked at the upper control arms last weekend but didn't pay much attention to the lowers. I'll inspect when when I car on jack stands to change my oil next week.

As for aftermarket, what do you guys recommend? 034? Does anyone else make them for these cars?
They have adjustable upper arms too but it looks like they have spherical bearings. Seeing how their bearings held up in their sway bar links idk if I want to use them. I'm not lowered but plan on it in the future. I don't want a particularly aggressive drop though so I'm not sure adjustable arms are necessary.

[Vendetta44]

I looked at the upper control arms last weekend but didn't pay much attention to the lowers. I'll inspect when when I car on jack stands to change my oil next week.

As for aftermarket, what do you guys recommend? 034? Does anyone else make them for these cars?
They have adjustable upper arms too but it looks like they have spherical bearings. Seeing how their bearings held up in their sway bar links idk if I want to use them. I'm not lowered but plan on it in the future. I don't want a particularly aggressive drop though so I'm not sure adjustable arms are necessary.Only heard good things about 034 kits for our cars.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[TFSI]

034 or Meyle/TRW makes quality parts. Most important thing is tighten all the bolts with loaded weight. If those bushings are fully tightened while on air, bushings will twist and wear our very quickly.

[VeeDubbinJetta]

I have a similar issue that I only notice the 1st time I use brakes in am when backing out of garage........its almost like there is play in the brake pads between forward and reverse......its only does it the 1st time I hit the brakes when backing out of garage....if I back into garage so my 1st braking is moving forward I get nothing. Literally only way I can replicate it is by backing up and using brakes for the 1st time of the day.

I’d put money on this. Sounds exactly like pads are shifting in the caliper/carrier. Being that it only does it on the first brake application each morning and you have aftermarket pads. If it were control arm bushings I’d expect the noise much more frequently.

A test you can do, slowly go in reverse and apply brakes. Then let go of the brakes and go into drive. Tap the brakes again and see if you get the noise. Try repeating a few times in a parking lot setting. If you can recreate I’d say 100% brake pads

[Midnight_Rider]

Your rotor or brake pads wore out? Clunk sounds like that. Unless you wash your car every night.

[MME1122]

Your rotor or brake pads wore out? Clunk sounds like that. Unless you wash your car every night.

I put new pads and rotors on in February.


I’d put money on this. Sounds exactly like pads are shifting in the caliper/carrier. Being that it only does it on the first brake application each morning and you have aftermarket pads. If it were control arm bushings I’d expect the noise much more frequently.

A test you can do, slowly go in reverse and apply brakes. Then let go of the brakes and go into drive. Tap the brakes again and see if you get the noise. Try repeating a few times in a parking lot setting. If you can recreate I’d say 100% brake pads

Hmm that's a good test. I do notice it sometimes when it's not first thing in the morning, but it's always the first or maybe second stop after being parked.

Is that why Audi glues the pads to the caliper?

[AudBoost]

I agree with VeeDubbinJetta.
I had a similar issue when I replaced my brakes. The initial time I hit the brake going forward, or in reverse, there was a loud clunk. Pads were maybe a couple months old when it started.
When I pulled the pads the hardware on the back of the pad that holds it in place in the caliper was completely lose so the pad was shifting.

[MME1122]

I agree with VeeDubbinJetta.
I had a similar issue when I replaced my brakes. The initial time I hit the brake going forward, or in reverse, there was a loud clunk. Pads were maybe a couple months old when it started.
When I pulled the pads the hardware on the back of the pad that holds it in place in the caliper was completely lose so the pad was shifting.

Do you mean the metal clips that hold it into the piston?
The other side has a peg that sits in a hole if I remember.

[AudBoost]

Do you mean the metal clips that hold it into the piston?
The other side has a peg that sits in a hole if I remember.

Yeap.. the clips that hold it into the piston.