Clicking Noise When Braking and Accelerating (Reasons & Solution)

Are you stressing over unusual noises coming from your car, especially during braking and accelerating? Well, let me tell you it’s a common issue, especially for old cars. But don’t worry, we have the solution for that.

So what are the reasons for clicking noise when braking and accelerating?

There are a few reasons why the sound arises. It can happen due to loose hubcaps, loose suspension, damaged CV joint, damaged worn-out struts, and so on. These are the very basic issues and these problems. It can be solved easily if you can diagnose the problem at the beginning of it. 

Hope you are a little stress-free now. If you have enough time in hand, we have got an entire article on this with in-depth information.

So without any further time waste, let’s jump into the details. 

How to Detect Clicking Noise?

Before getting into the reasons behind the noise, it is necessary to detect the source of the noise first. Otherwise, it is difficult to treat the problem. So diagnosing the problem is the first step of solving the issue.

Sometimes, it is difficult to figure out the origin of the issue. For vehicles, it is even difficult to detect the exact place of noise. It might seem somewhere but the problem is from somewhere else. 

Let us know where we should check for the origin of the noise if a clicking noise arises.

• Loose suspension 
• Loose hubcaps
• Damaged struts
• Distortion in CV joint
• Wrong-sized tires
• Damaged worn-out struts
• Distorted driving belt

If you find the reason for the noise is the wheel, you need to go for a road test. That way you will be sure about the origin of the noise. However, make sure no part of your vehicle is falling off. 

The road test is risky sometimes if there is any broken part in your vehicle. So don’t forget to test even under the car if there are any broken parts. 

Possible Reasons for Clicking Noice While Braking

If you own a car for a while, it is quite obvious to have certain noises from it. The noises can occur during driving, acceleration, or braking. Proper diagnosis of these issues is very important. 

If a clicking or popping noise arises from your car while braking, you need to check a few things. It is very important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. So that you can go for further steps of repairing it. 

Reason 1: Loose Brake Pad

Brake pads are located in the brake caliper seat. By any chance, if they get loose, they will get displaced. As a result, it will jump up and down every time you brake.

So if you find any noise while braking, do check the brake pads. You might need to change the brake pads. You can also go for the fixation if changing is not required. 

Reason 2: Bent in Brake Backing Plates

Every brake of your car contains braking plates which are attached to the back of the brake. The purpose of brake backing plates is to protect the brake from any dirt or harm. By chance, if there is any bent or wrap inside, it will cause friction against the rotor. 

So if you notice any clicking noise while braking, it might be due to bend brake backing pads. In that case, you have to replace the backing plates. 

Reason 3: Loose Brake Calipers

Brake clips are tightly secured through bushings with the help of guide pins and bolts. It is basically secured to their seats. The placement is designed in such a way that it can keep the caliper in a proper parallax position.

If the brake calipers get loose, they will flop around. That will cause a clicking noise while braking. In those cases, you have to tighten the loose brake calipers accordingly. If you are not sure about the steps, get the expert’s help. 

Possible Reasons for Clicking Noice While Accelerating

If there is an issue inside your vehicle, a clicking noise can also arise while accelerating. There are several reasons for this to happen. However, it is very important to detect the source of the noise first. 

Usually an old vehicle or heavily used vehicle with less maintenance can lead to such problems. So if you find any issues like that, do not make any further delay. 

Just detect the issue and solve it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will hamper your overall driving experience. 

Reason 1: Fuel Leaving the Engine

If unused fuel is released from your car engine, that can be a reason for the clicking noise. When that occurs, the unused fuel ignites the exhaust system. And that will lead to the sound. 

This situation might arise if you accelerate hard. As the unused fuel is released through the exhaust route, the popping sound arises. And when the car is accelerating, the sound originates from the center of the car. 

It sometimes sounds like a backfire. So whenever you notice such noise, get your car checked by a professional. 

Reason 2: Damaged CV Joint

If you find your car making noise while accelerating, it might be due to a damaged CV joint. For a decent steering system for a car, the constant velocity joints are responsible. The joints are located at the end of the front axle. 

They are the reason for the flexibility of the wheels and suspensions. So when the joint is broken, it hampers the flexibility of the axle. It creates grease behind wheels which eventually leads to a popping noise. 

If you can figure CV joint issue, try to solve it as soon as possible. 

Reason 3: Loose Hubcaps

If your hubcaps are loose, this can be another reason for clicking noise. Hubcaps are located in lug nuts in the steeling system. It is basically made of steel or plastic. 

So if the hubcaps are loose, there is a continuous vibration happening. Which is the source of clicking noise. The sound will originate from inside the cabin. 

So if you find the reason for your noise is hubcaps, get it fixed as soon as possible. 

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Types of Noise and Possible Reasons for It

There are different types of noise for different issues. It is crucial for the owner to detect the problem by observing the type of noise. 

However, we are providing a chart so that you can easily detect the problem in one go. And thus you will be able to take precautionary measures as soon as possible. 

Noise Type	Possible Reason
Squealing	This type of noise can take place due to rusted rotors.
Squeaking	If the brake wear indicator hits the rotor, such noise can take place. Also due to cheap brake pads, such noise can arise.
Grinding	This might happen due to a worn-away brake pad. If you hear such noise, stop driving.
Scraping	This kind of noise can arise if you are running over rock.
Thumping	Due to rear drums, such noise can take place.

That’s all from me!

FAQs

Final Words

In summary, identifying and addressing the clicking noise occurring when braking and accelerating is crucial for vehicle safety and optimal performance. The noise could stem from various issues, including worn-out CV joints, damaged brake components, or loose suspension parts. Thoroughly inspecting these components can pinpoint the source of the noise.

Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and, if necessary, professional consultation are essential to prevent further damage and ensure smooth, noise-free driving. By understanding the potential reasons and applying appropriate solutions, vehicle owners can eliminate the clicking noise, ensuring a quieter, safer, and more enjoyable driving experience on the road.

Here we tried to solve all your queries regarding clicking noise while braking and accelerating? Hope we could guide you through the issue. 

One very important thing is you cannot think of a healthy car without regular maintenance. So make sure you get your car checked regularly. 

See you soon with something exciting. Till then safe driving!

Read also: Mazda 3 AC Compressor Noise