A clunk that shows up when you turn - sometimes combined with braking - is a tricky noise because it can come from the brakes OR the suspension. Sorting out which saves you from chasing the wrong part. Here is how to narrow it down.
Brake-related clunks
If the clunk happens as you apply or release the brakes, especially at low speed, it is often a loose brake pad taking up clearance in the caliper bracket - see brake pad gap noise and anti-rattle spring. Worn or missing hardware lets the pad shift and knock. A loose caliper bracket bolt or worn slide pins can clunk too - see sticking caliper symptoms.
Suspension clunks that mimic brakes
Many turning clunks are actually suspension or steering: worn ball joints, sway bar links, tie rods, control arm bushings, or a bad CV joint (a clicking on tight turns). These clunk over bumps and while turning but are not affected by brake pressure. If pressing the brake does not change the noise, look at the suspension, not the brakes.
How to tell them apart
The key test: does the clunk correlate with the brake pedal? A noise that appears only when you press or release the brake points to brake hardware; a noise tied to bumps, turning, or suspension load points elsewhere. A clunk while turning but NOT braking is usually suspension - though a badly loose caliper can do both.
What to do
If it tracks the brake pedal, inspect the pads, hardware, and caliper bolts and refresh the brake hardware with quality pads. If it does not, have the suspension inspected. Do not ignore a persistent clunk - a worn suspension or steering joint is a safety issue.