Metal clanging sound under braking - UPDATED!

[Peter C]

Gents,

My car: 2008 Megane 1.4, bought brand new 18 days ago, now with 600 miles on the clock.

I have noticed that when I am braking whilst driving downhill, there is a metallic clanging sound coming from the dashboard / pedal area. It sounds a bit like a wind chime with only one tone. The noise is not there when I release the brake pedal or when braking on a level surface.

Anyone heard of something like this before?

Is this something I should worry about?

Peter

[Jonault]

If you can get the car to do this reliably, I would try and get a Renault Tech to go on a test drive with you to see what their thoughts were.

[AlexB]

Hello Peter,
How loud is this sound? Is it possible to reproduce it by slapping the passenger seat with the palm of your hand?

[Peter C]

Hello Peter,
How loud is this sound? Is it possible to reproduce it by slapping the passenger seat with the palm of your hand?

Considering how quiet a Megane is, the sound is very obvious. I'll have a go at slapping the passenger seat, but I'm not sure that will reproduce the sound. I noticed yesterday that the sound can be heard when driving on uneven roads, without the brakes applied.

Peter

[IainMW]

It's most likely to be a wiring connector floating around and just touching a piece of metal or somthing?

[Peter C]

It's most likely to be a wiring connector floating around and just touching a piece of metal or somthing?

I don't think so. It's the sort of sound that you could reproduce by knocking two metal bars together (hence my wind chime comparison). I know it sounds strange, but the sound also seems to have an echo!

Peter

[AlexB]

I also have a similar intermittent "Jingle Bells" sound. It is not loud and does not bother me much. Tried to locate it by knocking on different parts of the car inside, outside, underside, under the bonnet... Only the passenger seat responded. Looks like it is something around pre-tensioners or belt mechanisms. The good news for you is that this sound does not increase in time and it is not an indication of a major fault. Try slapping on the seat...

Hello Peter,
How loud is this sound? Is it possible to reproduce it by slapping the passenger seat with the palm of your hand?

Considering how quiet a Megane is, the sound is very obvious. I'll have a go at slapping the passenger seat, but I'm not sure that will reproduce the sound. I noticed yesterday that the sound can be heard when driving on uneven roads, without the brakes applied.

Peter

[Peter C]

I've slapped the seat but I'm no closer to finding out what is causing the sound.

Any other ideas?

[AlexB]

Nop, I give up.

[Peter C]

I have booked the car in for repairs (to be done under warranty as the car is only 6 weeks old).

Since my last post I have discovered that the sound is coming from the footwell area and 9/10 times occurs when I depress the brake pedal.

I will keep you posted!

Peter