# Brake noise **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** highlanderhybrid, toyota\ **Created:** [March 13, 2012, 1:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408 "2012-03-13T01:19:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![vince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vince](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vince)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 1:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408/1 "2012-03-13T01:19:57Z")
Hi, I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD. Whenever I apply the brake pedal past a certain point, I hear some sort of clunking type of noise from the front of the car. The noise can be done when braking hard, or even if I am at a stop and just press the pedal down hard. It sounds bad but I have not noticed any issues in braking performance. Everything is stock, brake pads have 60-70% as of my last serving. Does anyone know what this is and if I need to be concerned? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 3:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408/2 "2012-03-13T03:57:38Z")
I think this might be somewhat normal for a hybrid vehicle as the brakes switch over from the regenerative mode to the normal mode. But that is a good question, lets see if any other hybrid owners have the same experience. ---
**Author:** ![vince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vince](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vince)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408/3 "2012-03-14T00:44:34Z")
It’s definitely not the switch between the regen braking to the normal brake mode. That switch occurs much earlier in the braking process than what I am experiencing. Not sure if there are any owners of the same type of vehicle out here. ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 5:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408/4 "2012-03-14T05:35:05Z")
There have been a few questions on hybrids from visitors, but as far as I know, none of the regulars who try to help out here have any experience with them. We try to help though. ---
**Author:** ![mark9207](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71c47a/32.png) [@mark9207](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mark9207)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 6:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-noise/71408/5 "2012-03-14T06:47:29Z")
This could be a problem with brake hardware or anti-rattle clips, or possibly a loose front end component or sway bar link. If in doubt, take it to a good brake and front end shop. There are lots of parts and systems on a hybrid that can be serviced by any decent mechanic.