Help w a clunk/ pop

[Syr4RinNC]

For the last few weeks, I’ve noticed a clunk or pop coming from under around the middle of the vehicle.

It only happens when I brake for first the time after starting the car. Ie I drive to the end of the street and have to stop at the intersection and reliably I will get a clunk. Doesn’t happen thereafter when I’m driving. If I turn off the car and it’s still warm when I restart - running into the store quickly it won’t happen, only when it’s been sitting a while.

I had a different clunk a few months ago that turned out to be a loose caliper and I recently greased my driveline / propellar shaft. Nothing seems loose underneath.

Doesn’t seem too serious as it goes away.
Any thoughts?

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Oddly doesnt happen when backing out of driveway, hitting brake and shifting to drive

 

[UrbanRunner651]

Probably just pad shift if you can't identify anything else.
Is is common to hear a loud noise when initially going from F-R or R-F. I believe the pads are tight to the rotor and that causes a thud when you start rolling and they shift suddently, hitting the calipers since there is a little bit of play in their resting location.

 

[pearlj10]

You could try lubricating the caliper pins to see if that alleviates the issue. You’re confident that you squirted enough grease in the front (if 4WD) and rear driveshaft zerks? If they’ve been neglected, they can take a significant amount of grease. Good luck troubleshooting.

 

[Keros]

I recall having this same type of mysterious clunk a few years ago. Turns out all of the inboard pistons on both front calipers were ceased.

Hopefully that isn't your issue, but it'd be worth checking.

There was no difference in brake performance for many months with the clunk. But then one day there was a notable difference in braking, so I took it in... and replaced all 4 calipers, rotors, and pads... and brake lines. Threw the book at it, as it were.

Hopefully a brake inspection at a reputable shop can discern where the problem is.

Best luck, hope this helps.