What are the symptoms of a bad car top mount?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a bad car top mount: 1. Reduced ride comfort - when going over speed bumps or rough roads, you may hear a "bang" sound accompanied by a direct impact felt through the body; 2. Increased tire noise - in severe cases, you can hear a roaring sound from the tires; 3. Vehicle pulls to one side during straight-line driving - even when the steering wheel is held at the same angle, the car cannot maintain a straight path and will automatically drift; 4. A "squeaking" sound when turning the steering wheel while stationary - in severe cases, this can also be felt through the steering wheel, which is caused by the top mount losing elasticity due to aging and being squeezed; 5. Severe damage can affect the service life of the shock absorber.
Having driven for over a decade, the symptoms of a failed top mount are quite noticeable. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, you'll hear thumping or clunking sounds, as if the car body is hitting something. The vehicle body also tends to sway, with the steering wheel feeling loose and unstable during turns, and reduced grip. It gets worse on rainy days, as water may seep into the cabin, wetting the carpets or electrical components. If not repaired in time, tire wear will accelerate, and it may even damage the suspension system, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend regularly checking the top of the shock absorbers to see if the rubber pads are cracked or aged—spotting issues early can save major trouble. In short, these small details affect safety, so don't delay.
