Q: Hello. My 2005 Dakota makes a loud thud about part of the time half way through braking and sometimes when accelerating.

asked by on March 17, 2017

I just had the engine replaced 15k ago and the complete front and rear brakes replaces about 5k ago so i know those arent the problem. Only thing i really havent replaced is anything transmission related. Aside from the valve body that crapped out on me 6 months ago. And half the times when im braking it rattles the truck its so sudden of a thud. (Probably unrelated but my front right caliper has locked up and been replaced 3 times now)

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Clunking noise when I drive over bumps Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Check your suspension on your front of the vehicle. It seems that the control arm bushings are worn or damaged and the bolts could be loose causing the suspension to move around when the vehicle is under a load. If you cannot find any parts loose, jack the vehicle up and put it on jack stands. Then use a pry bar and try to move the suspension. If it moves around, look to see where its moving and that will lead you to the correct repair. If you need further assistance with your vehicle making a clunking noise, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the child restraint tether anchors?
Depending on your exact model, your vehicle is equipped with either two or three child restraint tether anchors. Many child restraint systems rely on tethers. The anchors in your car are on the back wall of the cabin. Attach the...
How do I adjust the sound system clock?
It only takes a few steps to adjust the clock in your vehicle’s sound system: 1. Press and hold the Clock button until the clock flashes. 2. Use the Seek/Track buttons to adjust the hour. 3. Use the Tune/Fast Forward-Rewind...
Poor acceleration, feels tight when I push on the accelerator.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. A dirty or clogged air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-air-filter) can absolutely cause the car to hesitate or demonstrate a lack of power at acceleration. As you may know, this is the...
front end vibrates when in park and at stop lights
Hello there, many faults will cause your 2008 Mazda 3 to have a vibration at idle. The most common would be a misfire condition, fuel pump, vacuum leak, oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or a coil. A qualified Technician...
How do i unlock my 2001 nissan altima steering wheel
Hi there. You may want to have the mechanic read this article (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-unlock-a-steering-wheel-by-spencer-clayton) on some possible ways to unlock the steering wheel. In most cases, the issue is caused by a malfunction within the ignition lock cylinder (where the key...
Why am I getting warning messages in my 2006 Jaguar XK8
Hello. If you had gotten this warning message along with an overheating condition then I would be a little mindful about a possible cooling system issue. These can come and go sporadically if the issue is something like a thermostat....
Check engine light came on, stayed on for a month, then went off.
Hi there. In most cases, the P0420 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0420-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-jamahl-walker) means that either the upstream or downstream oxygen sensor in the catalytic converter is not working. The other code listed tends to be caused by issues with the catalytic converter being...
2008 Honda Accord not accelerating and VSA and check engine lights are on and the code reads p0339
Hi Garrett. Thanks for contacting us today. The Vehicle Stability Assist light shouldn't impact the vehicle's ability to accelerate unless a limp mode has been triggered and activated due to a malfunction of the system. This might be the source...
Can i put a transmission from a 99 honda civic into a 98 honda accord?
The 1999 Civic transmission has a Tag ID (stamped on the transmission) of B4RA. The Tag ID for the transmission used on the 1998 Accord with the V-6 is either B7XA or B7XA-1. Inasmuch as these transmissions are electronically controlled,...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ride Control Module
Common signs include the Air Ride Suspension Light coming on, a bumpy ride, and uneven ride height.
How to Troubleshoot a Car That Makes a Loud Screeching Sound When it Starts
Cars make a screeching sound when serpentine belts slip or crack. Lubricate car belts or have them replaced to fix the screeching noise.
How to Troubleshoot a Clicking or Popping Sound in Car Wheels
Car wheels make popping or clicking noises due to faulty CV joints, worn struts or drive belts, loose hubcaps, cupped tires, or loose suspension.