What Causes the Clicking Sound from the Left Front Wheel of the Buick Regal?

[McAnderson]

The clicking sound from the left front wheel of the Buick Regal may be caused by increased play in the left front suspension or a malfunctioning shock absorber. The suspension system includes rubber bushings, which can deteriorate over time due to aging. Worn-out rubber bushings can lead to increased suspension play, resulting in abnormal noises. It is advisable to slow down when driving over speed bumps or rough roads to minimize these noises. Introduction to Suspension Systems: Automobile suspension systems are categorized into non-independent and independent suspensions. In a non-independent suspension, the wheels are mounted on either end of a solid axle. When one wheel moves, the opposite wheel also moves accordingly, causing the entire vehicle body to vibrate or tilt. In contrast, an independent suspension splits the axle into two segments, with each wheel independently mounted to the frame via coil springs. This allows one wheel to move without affecting the other, enabling independent motion and improving vehicle stability and comfort. Introduction to Shock Absorbers: Shock absorbers are primarily used to dampen oscillations from spring rebound after absorbing shocks and impacts from the road. While suspension springs can filter out road vibrations on uneven surfaces, they still exhibit reciprocating motion. Shock absorbers are designed to suppress this spring oscillation. If a shock absorber is too soft, the vehicle body may bounce excessively. Conversely, if it is too stiff, it creates excessive resistance, hindering the proper functioning of the springs.