What causes a loud noise when driving over a pothole without slowing down?
3 Answers
Reasons for abnormal noise when driving over potholes: First, check the shock absorber for faults by inspecting whether it is leaking oil. Below is an introduction to abnormal noises in cars: Car half-shaft issues: Due to long-term torsional fatigue and impact forces, the car's half-shaft is prone to bending, twisting, breaking, or wear and skew of the spline teeth. This can cause the car to shake rhythmically when accelerating within a certain speed range, accompanied by noise. The shaking disappears or lessens when the accelerator is released. Engine belt looseness: A slipping belt will produce abnormal noise. Once the belt slips, it leads to friction and high temperatures, causing the belt to stretch further and slip more severely, creating a vicious cycle. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the belt at a repair shop.
That day I drove over a big pothole without slowing down, and heard a loud bang with the car shaking violently. It's likely that the suspension system was damaged—the shock absorbers might have been impacted and broken, or the suspension links could have loosened. The tires and rims might also be deformed, and even the undercarriage could have been scraped, damaging the exhaust pipe. I stopped the car and checked the wheels—no air leakage—but later during repairs, I found the shock absorber was leaking oil and had to replace it. I suggest everyone slow down when encountering potholes, as accumulated damage can lead to higher repair costs later. For safety, after hearing such a loud noise, it's best to get the suspension and undercarriage checked by a professional shop.
From a structural perspective of the vehicle, loud noises when going over potholes generally indicate excessive impact force. When shock absorbers exceed their limits while damping vibrations, they may produce noise; bent rims or bulging tires can also cause loud bangs. Additionally, if suspension arms or bearings are damaged, the sound becomes more pronounced. If you don't slow down, the chassis may be impacted, potentially damaging sensitive components. It's necessary to promptly check for loose wheels—a simple shake with tools can provide a preliminary assessment. Ignoring this may lead to misaligned wheel positioning, resulting in unstable driving. Regular maintenance should include checking proper tire pressure to prevent such issues.
