I noticed today that my brakes have started to "clank" really loudly when applied firmly. I noticed it while searching for a parking spot at school....I suddenly came across one and hit the brakes, then "CLANK"....i tried it a few more times and it seems to do it every once in awhile. Any ideas? Is this normal?

 

No, brakes should not clank. Without knowing more about the problem, I'd suggest checking for lose lug nuts and lose caliper bolts.

 

I agree, brakes should not clank.
Did someone do work on them or did they all of a sudden start doing this?
Does not mean the clank is just brakes either....just that it comes when you hit the brakes hard.
Look for loose or broken suspension bolts (sway bar?), brake hardware, etc..

 

Which brakes? Front or rear? My clanking was the rear. It was because the retainer spring had fell out, which holds the shoe in place.