What Causes Abnormal Noises in Car Shock Absorbers?
2 Answers
Abnormal noises in car shock absorbers are caused by the aging and hardening of the shock absorber's buffer rubber. The reasons and solutions are as follows: Replace the Shock Absorber: If the noise is due to oil leakage or bending of the shock absorber itself, this issue can be resolved by directly replacing it with a new shock absorber. Add Lubricating Oil: If the noise is caused by abnormal wear or aging of the shock absorber pressure bearing, it can be fixed by replacing or lubricating the bearing. Replace the Shock Absorber Spring: If the noise results from deformation of the shock absorber spring, replacing it with a new spring will solve the problem. Replace the Bearing: If the noise comes from the wheel bearing, replacing the wheel bearing is necessary.
I've encountered suspension noise several times while driving, such as squeaking or rattling sounds when going over potholes. The cause might be worn rubber bushings, which connect the shock absorbers to the vehicle body. Over time, these can age and deform, causing friction noises. Another possibility is oil leakage or air bubbles in the shock absorbers themselves, reducing their damping efficiency. For a simple self-check, you can crouch down to see if there are any oil stains on the shock absorber tubes, or press down on the car body to listen for the source of the noise. If left unrepaired, the suspension system can deteriorate further, even affecting braking distance. After I had the bushings replaced on my car, the noise disappeared and the ride became much smoother. I recommend regularly inspecting chassis components and avoiding high-speed driving on rough roads to minimize such issues.
