What Causes the Abnormal Noise When the Chassis Goes Over Speed Bumps?

[DelaneyAnn]

The abnormal noise when the chassis goes over speed bumps is caused by aging of the stabilizer bar link ball joints, excessive clearance in the steering tie rod ball joints, etc. Below are detailed explanations: Aging of the Stabilizer Bar Link Ball Joints: After prolonged use of the vehicle, the stabilizer bar link ball joints may age, leading to abnormal noises when passing over speed bumps. If abnormal noise is noticed while driving over speed bumps, check whether the stabilizer bar link ball joints show signs of aging and address the issue promptly if they do. Excessive Clearance in the Steering Tie Rod Ball Joints: Excessive clearance in the steering tie rod ball joints can also cause abnormal noise when the vehicle goes over speed bumps. To check this, lift the vehicle and firmly shake the wheels from side to side to see if there is abnormal clearance.

[VonGabriel]

Every driver knows how annoying it is when the chassis makes strange noises over speed bumps. Generally, it could be due to aging shock absorbers, which tend to leak oil over time, reducing their damping effect and causing creaking sounds when going over bumps. Another possibility is worn rubber bushings on the chassis—these can crack and loosen after a few years, leading to metal parts colliding and creating noise. Loose screws or a loose exhaust pipe can also cause rattling noises when the vehicle vibrates heavily. I recommend starting with the simplest checks: park the car and manually shake the wheels or undercarriage components to see if there’s noticeable looseness. If this is the issue, head to a repair shop immediately to tighten or replace the parts, as neglecting it could affect driving stability, especially during high-speed cornering. Additionally, avoid hitting speed bumps too aggressively and have the chassis inspected during regular maintenance to prevent such problems.

[SanCorey]

A clunking noise from the chassis when going over speed bumps is no small matter, especially for someone like me who frequently travels with children. The sound of clanging makes me worry about both vehicle damage and safety risks. The cause is usually worn-out rubber bushings in the suspension system—over time, they age and crack, causing metal-on-metal friction noises during vibrations. Alternatively, it could be an issue with the stabilizer bar, which maintains vehicle balance; when worn, it rattles and creates noise. Ignoring this may lead to unstable handling and potential sudden loss of control. It’s best to take your car to a professional for inspection—replacing bushings costs just a couple hundred bucks and saves a lot of hassle. I’ve also learned to slow down when crossing speed bumps to prolong component lifespan. Don’t delay repairs to save money—safety for both car and passengers comes first.

[JoyRose]

If there's noise when going over speed bumps, it's often due to loose shock absorbers or chassis components. After parking, shake the car to check for any loose parts, which could indicate loose screws or aged rubber. Just get it fixed promptly to avoid turning into a major issue.