You might have noticed a clunking noise in your car whenever you drive over a bump. It can be unnerving and startling for a driver. However, such noises indicate a faulty and damaged car part that hinders a secure and smooth driving experience. These noises must not be neglected and the car should be inspected immediately.
That said, here are reasons why your car makes such noise and how you can sort them.
Reasons and Fixes for Clunking Noise in the Car When Going over Bumps
There are several reasons for a clunking noise in your car when driving over bumps. It can be due to worn-out or damaged parts of the car suspension system. However, such symptoms must be looked into and replaced or repaired immediately.
We will now go through the causes and solutions for the clunking noise in the car when going over bumps.
BAD STRUTS
The core purpose of struts is to dampen the sound of your car. However, if the strut housing gets dented, it will cause a clunking noise when the car goes over a bump.
HOW TO FIX IT
This can be fixed by turning the car wheels to check for noises. Push down on the front and rear of the car to protrude the damaged strut. Other physical symptoms of a damaged strut include oil around the strut housing.
WORN OUT SWAY BAR LINKS OR BUSHING
One of the major causes of clunking noise in your car is a worn-out sway bar link. When a sway bar link becomes loose and disconnects, it can knock against other parts like axles or control arms. Moreover, if the bushing or the ball joint of the sway bar is damaged, it will result in a disruptive sound in your car.
HOW TO FIX IT
Such noise in your car might be a symptom that your car axle requires repair. To inspect the problem, the vehicle must be on a flat surface so that the link and bushings can be checked. Do not use a floor jack to raise the car as it causes tension in the components of the suspension system.
WORN LEAF SPRING SHACKLES AND BODY MOUNT
If you have a truck, SUV or minivan that makes a clunking noise while driving, it might be because of worn leaf spring shackles. If these are bent or broken, it will create problems in driving.
In case the body mounts on the vehicle frame of a truck get damaged or misaligned, it will lead to certain problems. It will cause a clunking noise. Moreover, if the body mount bushings fail, the car frame gets damaged and there will be cracks and gaps on the surface.
HOW TO FIX IT
The body mounts on the car frame must be inspected at the earliest if there is a noise. They should be replaced for a safe and stable drive. However, these body mounts will be absent if you have a unibody car.
FAILING SHOCK ABSORBER
Shock absorbers absorb the impact from the wheels and provide a stable vehicle ride. When they are affected, the car makes a tapping sound at first and then starts to bounce more when heading over bumps.
HOW TO FIX IT
Check the tyre tread patterns for signs of damaged shocks. A tyre tread begins to cup when shocks fail. Moreover, you can also go for a bounce test in which the vehicle must not bounce more than once before regulating itself.
DAMAGED CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS
Control arm bushings can wear out quickly with time. When they do, the wheels get misaligned. As a result, there is a clunking noise when you steer the vehicle over a bump. This problem is accelerated in off-roading conditions and uneven terrains.
HOW TO FIX IT
With the help of a flashlight, you can check for damaged bushing. Or, take your car for an on-road test drive and make sure to notice the noise during a fast take-off or a quick stop.
BAD BALL JOINTS
Bad ball joints make it difficult to steer the vehicle properly. When the joint housing gets worn, it allows dust and grime to enter the joint. As a result, the car generates a noise when going over bumps. Also, if the joint gets disconnected, the ball will move in and out of the housing. This will also create unwanted noise in the car.
HOW TO FIX IT
Inspecting for a bad ball joint is a tricky process. You should consult a professional mechanic if you are unfamiliar with the wheel hub assembly and get it replaced at the earliest.
That is all on the different causes of why there is a clunking noise in the car when going over bumps. We have also provided you with solutions to these problems. If you’re facing such issues in your car, it’s time you opt for another ride. To get a car of your preference, you can go through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Besides, you can also go through these car accessories on sale in Dubai if you’re looking for a suspension kit in the Emirate. It will assist you in diagnosing the clunking noise of the car and replacing the affected suspension part.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car problems and their solutions.
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