Braking '09 Chevy Trailblazer
Asked by RisingSun97 Feb 18, 2018 at 08:57 AM about the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer 1LT 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
When I was slowing down for a light a very loud
clunking sound came from my brake pedal and
front drivers wheel. While hearing the noise my
truck pulsated like I had my foot on the gas and
brake at the same time. Also, my brake pedal is
hard. I checked the booster and it's ok. Sounded
like something was hung up in there, but the hard
pedal & grindind clunk sound scared the
bageezies outta me! Especially since I can feel it in
the pedal, like it's gonna pop off or something.
Please help!
7 Answers
oldcarpenter answered 6 years ago
I would pull the front wheels and look for an issue...especially since you heard a loud clunking sound
RisingSun97 answered 6 years ago
I wish I had the tools to do so, but I don't. Plus, it's Sunday so the only thing open is PepBoys and I know they'll hit me over the head, almost as bad as the dealership. Do you have any idea why my pedal would be hard?
The pulsing was likely the ABS triggered by whatever made the clunking. The clunking may be a bad ball joint. Put the car up on a jack & jackstands, then grab the wheel and give it a lift, does it move upwards? (Google how to check ball joints for a better description.) There's a few other things that can cause a clunk - bushings on a sway bar, strut/strut mount, sticking caliper - if you don't plan on doing the repair yourself then get it into a shop asap.
RisingSun97 answered 6 years ago
Thank you so so much KenF! I actually remember that I was in need of some front end work a while ago and never got around to it...I know, such a chic move. I already made an appointment for this afternoon, but now I'm wondering if I should get it towed in....I know if a ball joint breaks while driving it can be all bad. Thanks again for your time!
If you're not going that far, drive it, just take it slow and avoid the potholes, lol.
RisingSun97 answered 6 years ago
You hit the head on the nail with that one KenF! You know your stuff...Ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links...plus they fixed my muffler no charge. I really shouldn't have put those repairs off when they were only a couple hundred dollars though lol. Thank you again!!
