A few weeks ago, within another thread, I mentioned that I had a ‘tonk’ sound when pressing the brake – the consensus of opinion being that the handed front pads had not been fitted correctly. However, new pads had been in place for a couple of months before I noticed the sound, and as a few more miles have gone by I now think the sound is coming from the rear. I think.

Also, I'm now aware of a sort of rattly wobble sound when going over rough surfaces. This also seems to come from the rear, but certainly both sounds are from the near side. (I could be a little more specific if I had a wife with better hearing or who would drive for me while I moved around the car and listened :think: )

So, in summary:

A ’tonk’ sound when first applying the brakes (nearly always, but not every time), no matter how gently or at what speed I’m travelling – but only going forwards, not reversing. From the near side, probably the rear.

There is no tonk when just lifting off, and I have tried a gentle tug on the handbrake too without affect.

A wobble-rattle sound when driving over rough surfaces, manhole covers etc, from the near side and almost certainly the rear.

With the radio on, neither sound is easy to hear – but with the radio off and window open, the ‘tonk’ is surprisingly loud.

No noticeable difference in the feel of the car - in steering, ride or braking function.

So what do you reckon guys?

Car is 2005 and 70000 miles.

Could it be a failing n/s/r shock, though the bounce test seems OK? I've never experienced one before, so don't know what it's like.

I’m starting to think it’s suddenly going to get much worse and something will fall off.

Edited 28 November, 201213 yr by sidewaze samm

Check if the shocks are leaking. If so, then you need to change them.