HELP: clunk…cluck…cluck noise

[crios]

Hey Pedro,
I don't think it's the brake caliper for these three reasons:

-Engine needs to be at normal operating temperatures to make clunking noise.
-Noise only happens when car is in gear, accelerating or decelerating within gear. When clutch is engage, noise stops.
-Noise frequency matches the speed of the car, but like mentioned above, goes away at freeway speeds.

I cleaned the caliper by taking the wheel off, then the actual caliper, and cleaning it with brake cleaner. I’ve thought of rebuilding the brake caliper, but I’m stomped as to why this sound happens with the above situations. Specifically why the noise stops if I engage the clutch.

Thanks,
Cesar

[jhandy]

Top 7 things that make the noise you are describing.
engine mount - more in center front
Tranny mount
bushings in the rear control arms.
CV joint- clicking more often but can clunk
caliper loose-clunks
wheel bering- easy to tell, with the wheel on and lifted, rock the wheel up and down in and out
strut- clunks with bumps.

interesting about the clutch, with it dis-engaged, the torque is low. that would lean me to the engine, tranny mounting points, strut, control arm.

[mptoledo]

Have you checked/fed your trunk monkey lately?
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-RCUBxgdKZ_Y/trunk_monkey_compilation/

[RandallNeighbour]

Did you replace your caliper bolts when you removed them?

They stretch when torqued down and should be replaced each time they are removed. This could be the cause of your clunking.

[crios]

It does not make sense though...why would the noise stop if I engage the clutch?

Why is the noise not apparent as soon as I drive the car, it has to warm up to make the noise?

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Did you replace your caliper bolts when you removed them?

They stretch when torqued down and should be replaced each time they are removed. This could be the cause of your clunking.

[Frodo]

MP, you sure have an uncanny knack for changing the subject!

[mptoledo]

Sorry about that, I was watching tv and reading this thread when a trunk monkey commercial came on. Hey at least I hope it put a smile on your faces

Originally Posted by Frodo

MP, you sure have an uncanny knack for changing the subject!

[manolo]

Oh my god, I love the trunk monkey commercials. Well played, sir.

[crios]

You guys should get a room...seriously....thanks for ripping my thread and the help.