What Causes Abnormal Noises in Car Shock Absorbers?
3 Answers
Abnormal noises in car shock absorbers are typically caused by oil leakage, aging or lack of lubrication in the top mount thrust bearing, or deformation/breakage of the shock absorber spring. The three most common reasons are: 1. Oil leakage in the shock absorber: When oil leaks occur, the internal components lose proper lubrication, resulting in increased friction noise during operation. 2. Aging or lack of lubrication in the top mount thrust bearing: Located in the engine compartment, you can check by opening the hood and pressing the car body to listen if the noise originates from the shock absorber top mount - this usually indicates bearing aging. 3. Deformation or breakage of the shock absorber spring: In such cases, the only solution is complete replacement of the shock absorber spring.
Last time I had my car repaired, I encountered a similar issue. The abnormal noise from the shock absorber is mostly caused by aging bushings, specifically when those rubber buffer components become hardened or cracked after prolonged use, resulting in squeaking sounds when going over bumps. If there's oil leakage, the sound becomes duller and the damping effect noticeably worsens, making the car feel more wobbly. Also, pay attention to whether the mounting bracket is loose, as improperly tightened screws can easily cause squeaking. Driving habits matter too—frequent overloading or hitting bumps aggressively can accelerate wear. I recommend regular inspections of the chassis, especially since replacing bushings is simple and inexpensive. Don’t wait until the noise becomes severe to address it, or other suspension components might also develop problems. For safety, it’s best to have a thorough check at a reputable repair shop.
My car had the same issue a while back, making a clicking noise whenever it hit bumps. I asked a mechanic friend, and he said the most common causes are worn bushings or oil leakage, with oil stains possibly visible on the shock absorber if it's leaking. This isn't a minor issue—persistent noise can distract you while driving, and if the shock absorber fails, cornering stability suffers, increasing the risk of losing control on slippery roads. I got mine replaced promptly, and now it's much quieter. I'd advise you not to overlook it—identify the root cause early to avoid damaging other suspension components. After all, driving safety comes first.
