1998 Pontiac Grand Am Brake noise

Tiny
JADEALYSSA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 154,900 MILES
About 3 weeks ago I started noticing a weird clunk noise whenever I release the brakes. Typically it happens when I come to a full stop, but sometimes if I tap it quick. Strangest part is, is when the noise happens my car also shifts vertically like something is coming out of place quick and going back in. Just yesterday my dad replaced the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. The clunk noise still happens. He says that my passenger front wheel has play in it and he thinks it's the cv axle going bad, but the clunk noise doesn't happen when I'm turning like what I've been reading. And the noise is a literal clunk and it's loud. It's not a clicking noise. I just am not sure if it is the cv axle or not because it doesn't happen when I turn.
Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 7:05 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you checked tie rods, ball joints, and control arm bushings?
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
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No I was only told that he thinks it's the cv axle and I was working when he noticed the wheel play while fixing my brakes. I'm worried about driving it. Cause like I said this has been going on for about 3 weeks.
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
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Also I've been doing a lot of research and ball joint, tie rod, and arm brushings just don't seem to match the actual sound and movement that's happening. My car literally shifts vertically, like the body does, it's not getting pulled to one side at all, it actually practically drives itself. The alignment is good, too.
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check what I said. A CV joint won't do what you described. It will make a clicking when turning sharp, but not a clunk when you stop. Also, the items I mentioned can be dangerous if they are really bad and could cause you to lose steering or a wheel, so check those first.
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
JADEALYSSA
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What would you say about driving it? I've been driving it daily and have driven it long distances a few times since the problem occurred.
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
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I would determine the problem before driving it. As I mentioned, it could be dangerous.
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Sunday, August 9th, 2015 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
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  • 5 POSTS
Found out that it was my front control arms and bushings on both sides.
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Tuesday, August 11th, 2015 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Glad you found the problem. That was one of the first things I suspected (first post). Regardless, I'm glad you got it taken care of and let us know if you have questions on the future.

Joe
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Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 7:18 PM

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