2002 Tacoma "clunk/thump" feeling when braking

I have a 2002 Tacoma 2wd and I've been noticing a thump or clunk when braking. I'm not sure whats causing it. I was at a local shop today for an alignment, the mechanic said it was coming from the front end, he said it could be a caliper causing it. I know I'm gonna be needing brakes soon, could it be a warped rotor?

I appreciate any input

 

I had the same clunk on 3 different cars...

01 Tacoma and 01 Sienna - flushed out the old brake fluid with new stuff and it went away.
04 Solara - loose front strut mount.

 

Could be brake related, but I'd have the front suspension checked out.

If you are doing the brakes, have the rotors turned or if already too worn then replace them.

Typically if the rotor is warped you will get a pulsing when you are braking. This is the pad hitting the warped high spots.

 

I've been reading up on other Toyota forums, some people are describing similiar problems and are saying its caused by axle wrap? Could that be causing it?

 

Axle wrap can cause a thump when braking. If you brake very lightly do you hear the thump?

Since you found the threads on axle wrap, I guess you saw the mod for it. I used the ubolt clamp and that was it and it cured my axle wrap. Bought the part at the local parts store. It was a cheap fix and it would be a cheap way for you to check and see if it stops your thump.

If the noise is really from the front, then I doubt axle wrap is the cause.

 

This "clunk" was one of the things that worried me the most when I first got my truck. I searched online extensively and ruled out axle wrap because I am mostly stock, had my front and rear brakes checked, cleaned and adjusted. I am guessing it was the slip-yoke problem many tacoma owners experience. I get a clunk when I come to a stop sometimes and also sometimes when I let off the brake before hitting the gas.

 

The stock rear leafs are the cause of the axle wrap, because they are so weak. But you make a good point, the slip yoke in the drive line needs to be greased well so as not to cause problems also. Of course the entire drive line needs to be greased well.

 

Its axle wrap. 99% of the time it is. I wouldn't even bother lookin for other things you think is causing that thump. You get it from the worn stock leafs. Not if you modded a bunch. Look at the sticky in the first gen section titled "goodbye axle wrap". Do that and if it doesn't solve your problem start checking other stuff

 

i've have and 04 and had an 02, both do it. i understand it's normal on these trucks, the mechanic explained why but i don't remember the exact explanation. it wasn't the brakes though... had to do with the driveline - and the way it's mounted, etc. going to see my mechanic today to pick up my truck, i'll try and remember to ask him again.

then again, your clunk might be from something different....

 

I'm doing a brake job this weekend and see where that leaves. I hope thats all it is

 

So the slip yoke problem is what causes the "thud" feeling when coming to a stop? I also notice it when I let off the brake to accelerate from a complete stop. What's the fix for this? I thought it was just a Tacoma thing since this is my first Taco. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

 

I had the thump when letting off the brake also. I lubed the heck out of the u-joints and the slip yoke, along with adding the clamp on the springs and now....no thump. Definitely need to lube the drive line.

 

Thanks Tacoma04...you've been one of the most helpful board members in my short time here.

 

Glad to help. Just keep tuned and you will find plenty of very knowledgeable, friendly people here. They sure have helped me.