What Causes the Clanking Noise from the Chassis?
2 Answers
There are many factors that can cause clanking noises from the chassis, such as constant velocity joint noise, bearing noise, suspension system noise, and braking system noise. Constant velocity joint noise indicates that the car produces a metallic sound when turning or making a U-turn, which is likely due to a damaged ball joint dust cover. Bearing noise may be caused by damage to the bearing balls or tracks. The faster the car speed, the louder the bearing noise will be, and the slower the speed, the quieter the bearing noise will become. Suspension system failure can also lead to chassis noise. In the car's suspension system, components such as shock absorbers, suspension ball joints, and lower control arms are more prone to problems. Prolonged use can cause these parts to age, so it is recommended that owners conduct regular inspections.
I recently encountered a similar issue—the clunking noise from the chassis was really annoying. The most common cause is loose suspension components, especially worn-out stabilizer bar bushings or control arm ball joints. The sound is particularly noticeable when driving over speed bumps. Sometimes, a broken exhaust system mounting bracket can also cause this, especially during acceleration when you can feel the vibration. I also found that if tools in the spare tire compartment aren’t secured properly, they’ll rattle over bumps. Two weeks ago, during a repair, the mechanic checked my chassis bolts and indeed found two cracked bushings—replacing them fixed the issue. I recommend checking tire conditions before driving, as abnormal wear can also be an early warning sign.
