Acura Tech Tip: Rear Brake Clunking Noise

Acura Tech Tip: Rear Brake Clunking Noise

The rear brake calipers clunk when you first apply the brakes after changing the direction of the vehicle. This is caused because the outer shims on the rear brake pads do not allow the pads to slide easily when you press the brake pedal. This causes the outer pad to hit hard during a change of direction, resulting in a clunk.

The rear brake calipers clunk when you first apply the brakes after changing the direction of the vehicle.

Applicable Vehicles:
• 2001-’03 MDX, all; and
• 2004 MDX, from VIN 2HNYD1…4H500001 through 2HNYD1…4H514801.

Probable Cause:
The outer shims on the rear brake pads do not allow the pads to slide easily when you press the brake pedal. This causes the outer pad to hit hard during a change of direction, resulting in a clunk.

Corrective Action:
Replace the rear brake pad shims.

Note: Brake pad replacement and disc resurfacing is not needed to get rid of the clunk.

Parts Information:
Rear Brake Pad Shim Set: P/N 06435-53V-A01

Required Materials:
M-77 Assembly Paste: P/N 08798-9010

Repair Procedure:

  1. Remove and discard the rear brake pad shims (three per caliper). Refer to the 2001-’02 MDX Service Manual, page 19-16, or the 2003-’04 MDX Service Manual, page 19-18.
  2. Apply a thin coat of M-77 assembly paste to the new brake pad shims in these areas:
    1.  
    • The back of inner shim A and outer shim D; and
    • Both sides of inner shim B and outer shim C. See Fig. 1.
  3. Install the new brake pad shims (four per side) on each rear caliper. Refer to the 2001-’02 MDX Service Manual, page 19-17, or the 2003-’04 MDX Service Manual, page 19-19.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of ALLDATA.

For additional information, visit www.alldata.com.

You May Also Like

Mullen Announces New CARB Certification

The certification is awarded to vehicle manufacturers who meet specific emissions standards in compliance with CARB regulations.

 Mullen Automotive, Inc., emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announced certification from the  California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) on the 2025 Mullen THREE, Class 3 all-electric low cab forward chassis truck. The certification is awarded to vehicle manufacturers who meet specific emissions standards in compliance with CARB regulations. The District of Columbia and 14 states, including California, have adopted vehicle standards under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7507), which requires additional approvals beyond EPA regulations.

Schaeffler Group USA Expands Product Portfolio

Seventy new parts have been added to the INA, LuK and Schaeffler Bearings portfolios in the first quarter of 2024.

Nissan CVT Clutch Point Relearn Procedure

The Adaptive Shift Control delivers responsive and powerful acceleration.

Hydraulic Power Steering Service Opportunities

Hydraulic power steering is still the choice for some platforms and applications.

Hunter Maverick Tire Changer: 19.5-inch Tire Service

Learn to handle 19.5-inch wheels, which are common on some delivery vehicles, with Hunter’s Maverick tire changer.

Other Posts

Curing Shock, Strut and Suspension Noise

As vehicles age, eliminating noise is Job 1. But ‘noise’ may mean different things to you and your customers.

Diagnostic Test Drive For Drivetrain

A driveshaft center bearing can fail due to the bearing and the rubber isolator.

Mobis Starts Construction of EV Battery System Plant in Spain

The new EV battery system plant will supply Volkswagen and is aiming for mass production by 2026.

Blink Charging UK, Evri Collaborate to Electrify Courier Fleet

EV chargers installed at Rugby enhance Evri’s sustainability efforts, supporting a greener future in parcel delivery across the UK.