What Causes the Clunking Sound When a Car Goes Over Speed Bumps?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car making a clunking sound when going over speed bumps are: 1. Check if the tie rod end has excessive play by vigorously shaking the left and right sides of the tire to see if there's looseness; 2. A torn or leaking CV joint boot, which accelerates wear on the axle and causes abnormal noises when damaged; 3. Worn stabilizer bar links - remove the tire to inspect if the rubber at the ball joint has deteriorated; 4. Damaged or loose chassis components, which can also cause noises when driving on uneven roads - typically requires checking steering mechanism bolts and shock absorber rubbers. Speed bumps, also called speed humps, are traffic calming devices installed on roads to slow down passing vehicles.
My car makes a clunking sound every time it goes over a speed bump, which feels quite unpleasant. It might be due to aging or damaged shock absorbers. After driving for several years, shock absorbers can leak oil or fail, resulting in poor cushioning effects, and hard impacts can cause that kind of noise. The springs in the suspension system might also have softened or broken, unable to support the vehicle's weight. Loose chassis screws are also common, especially after long-distance driving when screws can shift. I once had a similar issue myself, and after replacing the shock absorbers, the noise disappeared. I recommend getting it checked at a repair shop sooner rather than later, as it can affect handling and safety. Another possibility is worn or insufficiently lubricated suspension ball joints—regular inspections can prevent trouble. Improper installation of aftermarket parts, like loose skid plates, can also cause noise, so a thorough inspection is necessary.
