What Causes the Abnormal Noise When a Car Goes Over Speed Bumps?
3 Answers
The causes of abnormal noise when a car goes over speed bumps include: aging of the stabilizer bar link ball joint, excessive clearance of the steering gear tie rod ball joint, and damage to the cushioning components on the chassis. Below are the detailed explanations: 1. Aging of the stabilizer bar link ball joint: After prolonged use, the stabilizer bar link ball joint may age, leading to abnormal noise when passing over speed bumps. If abnormal noise is noticed while driving over speed bumps, check whether the stabilizer bar link ball joint shows signs of aging and address it promptly if aging is detected. 2. Excessive clearance of the steering gear tie rod ball joint: Excessive clearance of the steering gear tie rod ball joint can also cause abnormal noise when the car goes over speed bumps. To check, lift the vehicle and shake the wheels forcefully from side to side to see if there is abnormal clearance. A properly functioning tie rod ball joint should not move. 3. Damage to the cushioning components on the chassis: Damage to the cushioning components on the chassis can result in abnormal noise when passing over speed bumps. This may be caused by abnormalities in the rubber cushioning blocks on the stabilizer bar, which is also a significant reason for abnormal noise when the vehicle goes over speed bumps.
I've been driving for over a decade, and squeaking noises when going over speed bumps are quite common. It's usually a problem with the suspension system, such as aging shock absorbers leaking oil, loose stabilizer bar screws, or cracked chassis bushings. These components bear significant impact when going over bumps and are prone to abnormal noises. My old car once made a clunking sound when going over bumps, and it turned out to be a broken front control arm bushing after inspection. The noise disappeared after replacing it. Don't underestimate this issue—delaying repairs can lead to unstable handling, which is dangerous during sharp turns or at high speeds. I recommend having technicians focus on checking the suspension during each maintenance session and spraying some lubricant on the joints as a preventive measure. If any abnormal noise occurs, go to a professional shop immediately for diagnosis—safety comes first. Remember to slow down when going over bumps to extend the lifespan of the components.
I enjoy tinkering with my car in my spare time. Noises when going over speed bumps are mostly caused by suspension issues. Damaged or leaking shock absorbers are the main culprits, producing squeaking sounds when crossing bumps. Other causes include loose stabilizer bars, uneven brake pad wear, or aging chassis bushings. You can perform a preliminary self-check: use a jack to lift the tire and shake it to see if there's any looseness. If there is, it means the components aren't securely fixed. Solutions include tightening screws or replacing inexpensive bushings costing just a few dozen bucks. Even replacing shock absorbers isn't expensive in severe cases. Don't ignore it, as it may lead to uneven driving or even accelerated tire wear. Last time I dealt with a similar issue, it took me half a day to fix—saving money and giving me peace of mind.
