What Causes the Abnormal Noise in ATSL Shock Absorbers?

[DelJudah]

The causes of abnormal noise in shock absorbers include oil leakage and aging of the top mount thrust bearing. Below are the specific reasons for shock absorber noise: Shock absorber oil leakage: When the shock absorber leaks oil, the interior of the shock tube cannot be effectively lubricated, resulting in significant friction noise during operation. Aging of the top mount thrust bearing: The thrust bearing is located in the engine compartment. Open the hood and press down on the body to check if the noise is coming from the shock absorber top mount. If it is, it is likely due to aging of the thrust bearing. If the shock absorber spring is deformed or broken, the entire shock absorber spring must be replaced.

[DiAshlyn]

I've been driving a Cadillac ATS-L for several years, and recently the shock absorbers have been making squeaking or rumbling noises, which is really annoying. The common causes of these noises include internal oil leakage in the shock absorbers—once the oil leaks, the damping effect worsens, and the noises become particularly noticeable on rough roads or when going over speed bumps. Another reason could be the aging of rubber bushings; over time, the rubber cracks or deforms, increasing friction and noise. Additionally, the buffer blocks or spring seats might be worn or loose, causing noises when the car shakes on bumpy roads. From my own experience, it's good to check if there are any oil stains on the surface of the shock absorbers or to press down on the car body to see if the rebound is abnormal. If you often drive on city highways, especially on uneven roads, these parts are more prone to premature wear. Last time, I replaced a new shock absorber and bushings, and the problem was solved. In short, don't delay—noise issues left unattended can affect driving safety. It's best to have a professional inspection at a reputable shop, as the suspension system is crucial for the vehicle's stability.

[IsabelMarie]

As someone who frequently works on cars, I've found that ATS-L shock absorber noises are mostly caused by damaged bushings or bump stops. The squeaking sound from aged rubber materials is very common; sometimes it's due to seized piston rods inside the shock absorber or oil seal leaks, resulting in gurgling noises; it could also be loose mounting bolts causing rattling sounds when driving over bumps. Poor road conditions accelerate these failures - for example, constantly driving on rough roads subjects shock components to greater impacts. I recommend first visually inspecting the shock absorbers for oil leaks and checking rubber parts for cracks by touch; if the noise worsens during turns or hard braking, a complete replacement might be necessary. Don't ignore minor issues - prolonged neglect of abnormal noises can degrade overall suspension performance, leading to unstable handling and uneven tire wear. Develop good driving habits like slowing down for potholes and regularly inspecting undercarriage conditions to extend shock absorber lifespan. Simple maintenance can prevent major repairs - tightening bolts yourself is fine, but leave complex issues to professional technicians for reliable solutions.

[PaulFitz]

I think the abnormal noise from the ATS-L shock absorbers mainly stems from component aging, such as cracked rubber bushings that creak when going over bumps; leaking fluid inside the shock absorbers can also produce gurgling sounds, especially noticeable on rough roads. During daily driving, remember to avoid hitting speed bumps at high speeds, as this can rapidly damage the internal structure. During inspections, pay attention to whether the vehicle body has sunk or shows abnormal swaying, and promptly replace any worn-out parts. Maintaining good driving habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of abnormal noises.

[RichardLynn]

When analyzing shock absorber noises, I focus on several details: squeaking sounds usually indicate aging or cracked rubber bushings causing friction noise; gurgling noises may suggest internal oil seal leakage or piston sticking, affecting damping performance; damaged bump stops can produce collision sounds during bumps. The ATS-L's suspension design makes bushings prone to wear under certain road conditions. Pay attention to noise frequency while driving, especially if it worsens at specific speeds or during turns. Simple diagnostic methods include pressing down on the body to observe rebound speed and noise changes. Regular lubrication of key points can prevent issues during maintenance. Neglecting repairs not only causes annoyance but gradually reduces chassis stability. Timely attention is best.