What Causes the Abnormal Noise When a Corolla Goes Over Speed Bumps?
2 Answers
Corolla making abnormal noise when going over speed bumps may be due to component aging, excessive tie rod clearance, dust cover rupture and oil leakage, or chassis issues. Component Aging: If the ball joint of the stabilizer link is aged, you can remove the tire to check if the rubber at the ball joint has aged. Excessive Tie Rod Clearance: Check if the tie rod end has excessive clearance. This requires professional judgment, but you can shake both sides of the tire forcefully when the vehicle is lifted to see if there is any looseness. Dust Cover Rupture and Oil Leakage: If the dust cover of the drive shaft is ruptured and leaking oil, it will accelerate the wear of the drive shaft, leading to abnormal noise when damaged. Chassis Issues: Damaged or loose chassis components can also cause abnormal noise when driving on uneven roads. Generally, it is necessary to check some steering mechanism screws and shock absorber rubbers.
My Corolla has been making a clunking noise when going over speed bumps after long-term use, as if something is hitting. Last time I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the mechanic said it might be due to the aging rubber bushings on the suspension arms. The hard plastic has become brittle and lost its cushioning effect, causing direct metal-to-metal vibration when the tires bounce. Additionally, if the shock absorbers are leaking or failing, they can't absorb impacts and will produce heavy knocking sounds. I tried checking it myself by parking on a flat surface and shaking the front wheels, hearing slight looseness, likely due to loose ball joints or bearings. The Corolla is an economical car, but its suspension components are prone to issues over time. Though the noise may seem minor, it indicates potential chassis safety risks. It's advised not to ignore it—during regular maintenance, pay special attention to chassis bolts and rubber parts. Addressing issues early prevents loss of control while driving. Safety is far more important than saving money; replacing a new bushing only costs a few hundred bucks.
