Clunking noise (wheels or brakes)

[chrisben]

Hello

I've got a 1990 1.9 (petrol) vw holdsworth villa 3. I just had the engine replaced, and maybe only done 200 miles. I've notice that at about 30 miles an hour the engine or wheels (only been in it on my own) seems to be clunking a little (a sort of metallic scrape), its not particularly loud, but slightly annoying and I obviously want to get to the bottom of it after spending money on a new engine.

Additional info

oil and water levels fine.
Noise stops when braking
Noise stops when going faster than about 40 (at least I think it stops, I don't notice it, this could be the engine getting louder.

My guess is that it's something either brake related or baring related. Obviously want to rule out the engine and guess potential damage/ urgency of fix needed.

Thanks.

[sandfish]

sounds like brake pads to me, if you touch the brakes gently when you hear the noise it stops ?

[chrisben]

sounds like brake pads to me, if you touch the brakes gently when you hear the noise it stops ?

Yep, thats exactly what happens. Braking distance seems fine though.

Whats the best plan of action, and is there an obvious way of narrowing it down to this by trouble shooting?

[sandfish]

sounds to me like the pads have worn out and your getting a bit of metal on metal, i would check them out asap

[chrisben]

sounds to me like the pads have worn out and your getting a bit of metal on metal, i would check them out asap

Bad but not terrible news. Managed to chip the windscreen on the m1 this weekend too.

[SYNCROSPARESUK]

Hi,
Try easing on the handbake gently, if noise stops you no its the rear brakrs that need attention.
cheers

[California Dreamin]

Check your wheel bolts/nuts...180NM.

Martin

[chrisben]

Not been in town much to drive my van but, gave it a little run last night to see what the problem was.

1. Didn't sound as bad as before.
2. Seemed to get worse straight after a turn.
3. Seems intermittent.

Will investigate more this weekend.