What Causes the Car to Make Strange Noises When Driving Over Bumps?
3 Answers
The causes of strange noises when the car is bumpy are as follows: 1. Lower control arm: The issue lies with the lower control arm, which needs replacement; 2. Shock absorber assembly: The shock absorber assembly is damaged and requires replacement; 3. Steering ball joint: The steering ball joint is faulty. The inspection method is to kick the tire and see if there is any abnormal noise; 4. Stabilizer bar bushing: The stabilizer bar bushing is damaged. After the bushing ages, it becomes increasingly hard, causing the left and right wheels to be at different heights when the vehicle passes over uneven roads, resulting in strange noises; 5. Engine guard: The issue is with the engine guard. The noise could be due to friction between the engine guard and the chassis, or it might be because the screws of the engine guard are loose. Removing the engine guard can solve the problem; 6. Shock absorber: The nut at the top of the shock absorber is loose. Open the engine hood, and you will find two hexagonal nuts at the top left and right corners. Check if they are loose and tighten them if necessary.
After driving for over a decade, I've found that most rattling noises on bumpy roads are caused by aging chassis and suspension components. For instance, when shock absorbers leak oil and lose their damping function, the car makes loud thumping sounds like drumbeats when hitting potholes. Some parts, like ball joints or stabilizer bar bushings, may produce squeaking noises when their rubber cracks and wears down, causing metal-to-metal friction. Another possibility is overly fatigued springs that become too soft and rebound slowly, resulting in impact noises. I usually try to locate the noise by listening carefully to determine whether it's coming from the front or rear wheels, and sometimes squat under the car to gently shake components to check for looseness (being careful not to use excessive force to avoid hand injuries). If left unrepaired, these issues will worsen handling, accelerate wear, and make steering more dangerous. I recommend getting to a repair shop promptly for tightening or replacement - safe driving should always be the top priority.
When my car was new, I encountered bumping noises that really scared me and made me worry about safety. The mechanic told me common causes include loose brake caliper installation, loose wheel bearings causing collisions, or broken exhaust system hangers causing rattling against the chassis. It might be due to cracked or aged rubber bushings losing their shock absorption, resulting in metal friction sounds. While I usually avoid potholes, poor urban road conditions make it hard to avoid completely. When hearing unusual noises, I drive slowly on the emergency lane and pull over to check - never force it. Ignoring this could lead to bigger failures like suspension detachment, especially during rainy days when tire grip worsens. Getting professional inspection and repair promptly saves trouble.
