I have a 2015 Fit, which a year ago got new brake pads and the rotors replaced on the front. In the past few weeks, I've encountered some 'clunking' noises when applying the brake slowly (ie. more noticeable when applying the brake slowly such as approaching a red traffic light). This only happens when the brakes/car has warmed up and driven for 5kms or so.

I brought it into the dealership, and they spent a day on it and trying to figure out what was happening as based on what they checked all looked fine. They did a few trials of removing the brake pads, lubricating them, and as well removed high spots and glazed from the rotors/brake pads. In the last trial the noise was gone, and I was able to confirm when I drove it out of the dealership. Well, 1 month later it's back!

I'm not sure if any folks here can chime in on what this might be. The puzzling thing is that it only occurs when I've used the brakes and pads/discs warmed up after a applying the brakes for a 5km trip.

Thanks for any insight.

Cheers

 

How many miles on the vehicle?

Clunking noises might be more related to suspension. Anyone have a look-see at the CV joints / front end and not just the brakes?

 

Did they check the wheel bearings?

 

I don't believe they checked anything other than the brakes, but I would think that they did a full check of everything, but then again, maybe not. I will bring it back in in the next few days and let's see what they do next. So wheel bearings and suspension might be a factor - I'll ask if they can check, or did check. Thanks

 

You should take it to an independent guy to get a second opinion. He may put it on a rack and check it for free.

 

I thought of that, but it's a bit challenge to find a reputable place/mechanic I can trust....I took my Fit in for a tire leak repair, and it was suppose to be fixed, and it's still leaking! My time and money seems to be being wasted....ah well.

 

CV joints and Bearings will make noises while turning one direction or the other. CVs will clunk in slow speed sharps turns while bearings will usually make a metal on metal grinding sound in spirited turns. Clunk noises means something is moving when its no supposed to so as bargain guy said it is most likely suspension related. Could be a loose link on the sway bar, or the strut bearing/bushing failing.

As the other guy asked, How many miles are on the car? Does it make a clunking noise in any other situations (Turning, Hard Turns, Turns near full lock, Bumps, Pot Holes)?

 

Well, you gave the dealer several chances, and you don't want another opinion? Just trying to figure out your logic here. You are using a bad tire repair as a reason not to look for an independent guy? Regardless what the problem is, you are not going to get it done here. It's going to be resolved at some repair shop. I am wondering how you are going to use the suggest possible reasons that casue the noise here. You still have to take the car to a shop, and. I am sure the dealer did not give you free services so far. I could possibly add a couple more possibilities, out of balance tires, and even a floppy undercover.

 

I wanted to provide an update with regards - the dealer stated that the rotors were warped resulting in the clunking noise I'm hearing. I had these replaced a year and a half ago along with both brake pads, and I said why am I having to replace them already??? The rationale is that there is presence of heavy rust on the rotors, and the pads and there is a sticky caliper, which all contributed to the warping. They noticed that it's a low mileage car and it average only 9500km in a year, and they said that if parked outdoors all the time which it is, and combined with the low mileage, it's contributing to rust accumulating and causing the calipers and brake pads to not be optimal.

Thoughts anyone?

The car has around 75,000KM on it.

Cheers

 

I only do about 6,000 KM (4,000 miles) a year in my 2018 Fit and haven't seen any such issues, but in fairness my car is newer than your 2015, is always parked in a garage, and being retired I don't take it out in the rain

 

I keep my car outside. I use it more than you do but I do get some rust, which comes off when I drive.

 

Moisture accumulation leading to heavy corrosion, slowly destroying your brakes? Sure, that's possible. Two ways to deal with it.

Either go through pads and rotors like crazy, or make it a point to not let too many days go by without taking it out for a spin and let the brakes shake themselves off through normal use.

Once a week should be enough unless you're in a stretch of damp weather, in which case twice a week should suffice. The last thing you want is weeks and weeks to go by. That's where the rust settles in.

 

I live near Seattle and my garage is full of a motorcycle and assorted nonsense since having a family. Fit stays outside the entire year, and I've had zero moisture/corrosion related problems- but as the last two responses have said, I drive it pretty often. The odd thing here is that I've never heard of a warped rotor (more commonly a warped rotor turns out to be uneven deposits of pad material) only showing itself intermittently.

You're not wrong that finding a good independent mechanic can be a difficult thing, but it's more than worth the effort. I've heard too many dealer stories of work done poorly or not at all, and been jerked around by too many guys at the dealerships before getting disgusted and learning how to do work myself, there almost has to be one close enough for you to use.

 

Well, the plot thickens......after a new rotor was installed and new brakes put in, the entire rotor can be seen with a slight wobble - they claim that it's a bent spindle, which can happen from hitting the front wheel somehow - ie. hitting a curb too fast, etc. I did some research and I don't know if this is correct - not knowing too much about the mechanics of how these things work and if this diagnosis is correct or I'm given the runaround.

 

So they didn't notice the bent spindle until after they installed new pads and rotors?

Since the diagnosis keeps changing (and costing), I think a second opinion is in order here if there's any way you can swing it.

I've seen this sort of thing happen with misdiagnosis or crooked diagnosis. You wind up spending a small fortune, and still not fixing the original problem. That's the vibe I'm getting from your shop.

 

In my history of owning automobiles I've never had to deal with such a case as I am here now, so it's difficult for me to relate on how shops can misguide there customers and into their wallets. In such cases of misdiagnosis and resulting in the customer having to pay and pay until the real problem is fixed, surely there must be some consumer protection in place as such that if one complains to Honda corp directly and provide all the details, a reimbursement would be entitled.....that is assuming that the dealer doesn't play fairly

 

You can complain to Honda corporate, but there's no guarantee they'll work with you.

If you've been led down this path by a Honda dealer, perhaps going to an independent would better serve you. As long as they can access the same parts the Honda dealer has, it shouldn't be an issue.

The question here is not one of malfeasance vs. incompetence, because for you, it doesn't really matter which one is taking place. The question is, can you put your faith in a dealer who's misdiagnosed your situation from day one, and has continued financial gain with every change in diagnosis?

 

My question is would a bent spindle have caused the original noise?