Hi all,

Over the last few weeks my little fabia has started to make a clunking noise when I apply the brakes when reversing. Basically you reverse, apply brakes, clunk, come to a stop.

Any ideas? It's still under warranty so no real worries but thought I'd ask first, just incase it might be something simple.

 

So how many miles on the car, how much wear on the brake pads, is it just the brake pads moving?  

Something normal like that, or is the noise quite loud and like the suspension.

 

Having it checked seems like a good idea.

19000 miles. Not really looked at the pads but woulnd't really be looking at such a low mileage.

It's now reasonably loud but has been getting louder over the last say 1k.

I guess there is no harm getting it booked in, just faf.

If you can not check then someone else has to keep you and others safe.

Have you ever checked the tightness of the wheel bolts, could you remove a wheel if there is a puncture?

 

How old is the car and is it's 2nd service due or has it been done?

Car is coming up for 2 years old.  I've had it for 9 months and have done 12k so far so on long life.  2nd service will be due in 5-6k.

(before anyone asks, my average journey is >25 miles due to living in the middle of nowhere, hence long life!)

Was it a Demonstrator?

 

Never delay in reporting issues if you think there might be a fault and a Warranty issues, do not wait for it being checked at service time.

Even pull into a Tyre & Exhaust Centre so they can look under the car, then make your excuses and leave.

 

12,000 miles in 9 months must take you past lots of places with building and mechanics.

As Offski says, get it checked. It is most likely the brake pads just moving in the caliper. If you listen carefully, after you have heard the clunk in reverse when stopping, just drive slowly forwards and apply the brakes again. Have the drivers window open too so you can hear properly. You should hear a similar clunk when coming to a stop going forwards. What happens is the guides wear and allow a little movement back and forth in the caliper. It gets louder over time as they wear more and the dust is shaken off the guides and pads. BUT, you must get it checked as it may not be that!

My wife's August 2015 Polo 1.2TSI 110PS has disc brakes on the rear, but VW group seem to have stopped fitting the stainless anti rattle springs on the rear brakes.

 

Now I don't know if the calliper carrier dimensions have been reduced to take that into account, or if VW Group are just saving a small bit of cash on each car.

 

I am temped to buy a set of these anti rattle springs and see if I can fit them, just because I feel like it, though that car at 24K miles does not make any noises when reversing.

 

One other thing to the OP, does your car have rear discs brakes, if not it might be the shoe being forced out when the brake is applied, I've never heard that on my daughter's late 2009 Ibiza though, but quite a few people are starting to complain about clunking noises when braking in reverse on Polo/Fabia/Ibiza .