From a parked position after engaging the transmission to move forward (like in my driveway), a pronounced thud or clunk is heard from the rear of the car. Sounds like someone hitting the underside of the body with a rubber mallet. It was hard to pin down, but sounded more like the passenger side, rear. Dealer thought it was related to the hand brake. Both sides of the brake system were "dry". Dealer cleaned and lubricated the braking system. I have not had the car long enough to be certain the problem is gone as yet. Reason for posting this problem is related to a similar problem that I have found searching the web. This or a similar "thud/clunk" was associated with a transaxle/transmission problem noted several times. I also have posted a transmission problem for this vehicle. Since it may or may not be related, at least it ties these problems together to make others aware of it.
Update from Mar 9, 2013: Problem was due to worn parking brake shoes in both rear wheels which also caused a deep wear groove in the rotor surface. A small piece of brake shoe broke off on the passenger side which was lodged in the sprig release mechanism, so the shoe would not release. Rotors were overheated; mechanism was full of brake powder and dried out. 3 trips to the dealer and all they kept telling me was the brakes were OK....just needed lube. So I fixed the rear brakes myself at home: replaced all parking brake components, rear brake pads and rotors with the best quality NAPA parts. Lubed everything as recommended; adjusted hand brake lever inside passenger compartment. Brakes are fine; clunk is gone; squealing is gone; car rolls smoothly with out dragging. My cost: $290 total.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
From a parked position after engaging the transmission to move forward (like in my driveway), a pronounced thud or clunk is heard from the rear of the car. Sounds like someone hitting the underside of the body with a rubber mallet. It was hard to pin down, but sounded more like the passenger side, rear. Dealer thought it was related to the hand brake. Both sides of the brake system were "dry". Dealer cleaned and lubricated the braking system. I have not had the car long enough to be certain the problem is gone as yet. Reason for posting this problem is related to a similar problem that I have found searching the web. This or a similar "thud/clunk" was associated with a transaxle/transmission problem noted several times. I also have posted a transmission problem for this vehicle. Since it may or may not be related, at least it ties these problems together to make others aware of it.
Update from Mar 9, 2013: Problem was due to worn parking brake shoes in both rear wheels which also caused a deep wear groove in the rotor surface. A small piece of brake shoe broke off on the passenger side which was lodged in the sprig release mechanism, so the shoe would not release. Rotors were overheated; mechanism was full of brake powder and dried out. 3 trips to the dealer and all they kept telling me was the brakes were OK....just needed lube. So I fixed the rear brakes myself at home: replaced all parking brake components, rear brake pads and rotors with the best quality NAPA parts. Lubed everything as recommended; adjusted hand brake lever inside passenger compartment. Brakes are fine; clunk is gone; squealing is gone; car rolls smoothly with out dragging. My cost: $290 total.
- spacecadet, Avon, CT, US