LOUD knocking sound coming from rear wheel area

[jharden724]

Hello! I have a 2002 Explorer with about 175k miles on it, and it has been incredibly reliable, but is starting to "fall apart" over the last 6 months. Right now the main problem I am trying to figure out is an extremely loud clanking noise. It is coming from the drivers side rear wheel area. I am a 30 year old woman without much mechanical knowledge, so really have no idea what I am looking for! Of course the sound is spread apart when I am driving slowly, and quickens while driving at faster speeds. Just trying to get an idea of what it is before taking it in somewhere. Thanks for your help!

 

[Dave8338]

It is most likely the parking brake shoe and or mechanism that actuates the parking brake(s).
They tend to rust apart and fall into the inner drum portion of the rotor. Not a major deal but it should be removed.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[extra-medium]

Have you had any tire work done lately? I had a grand Cherokee that I got tires put on and they didn't torque down my lug nuts all the way which caused my wheel to come lose and bang against the brake rotor.