What Causes Suspension Noise?
3 Answers
The causes of shock absorber noise include the following: 1. Oil leakage or bending: Noise caused by the shock absorber itself leaking oil or bending. In this case, simply replacing the shock absorber with a new one can solve the problem; 2. Aging or wear: Abnormal aging or wear of the shock absorber pressure bearing. This issue can be resolved by directly replacing or lubricating the bearing; 3. Spring deformation: The noise might be due to deformation of the shock absorber spring. Replacing the spring with a new one can fix this; 4. Wheel bearing: The noise could also be coming from the wheel bearing, which would require replacing the wheel bearing.
I've driven several cars, and the issue of suspension noise is actually quite common. Last time, my old car made a creaking sound when going over speed bumps, and upon inspection, it turned out to be the shock absorber oil seal aging and leaking. If the fluid inside the shock absorber leaks, the lubrication effect deteriorates, causing friction and noise. Additionally, if the shock absorber springs become loose or the bushings wear out, they can also produce squeaking sounds. These components are most prone to issues on bumpy roads and age faster over time. It's advisable to first check for oil stains or cracks on the shock absorber housing and simply shake the car body to listen for the noise location. Safety comes first—such problems are not only annoying but can also accelerate the wear of other suspension components. It's best to visit a professional repair shop for a comprehensive check-up early on, rather than waiting until high-speed driving becomes unstable and dangerous.
As someone who frequently works on car repairs, suspension noises should be analyzed from several components. Common causes include leaking oil seals or internal piston wear in the shock absorber itself; displaced damping springs or loose mounting screws can also cause knocking sounds; additionally, if the suspension system's links or bushings age and crack, metal friction noises become noticeable. These issues are more pronounced on bumpy roads. Maintenance is crucial—I recommend regularly checking the integrity of the shock absorber's dust cover, which protects against dust and water to extend its lifespan. If the noise is accompanied by body sway, stop immediately to investigate, as suspension issues can affect steering stability and increase accident risks. Replacing a new shock absorber isn't expensive, but don't delay and let the problem worsen.
