What Causes the Clunking Sound When a Vehicle Goes Over a Bump?
2 Answers
This is the sound coming from the vehicle's shock absorber. Below is relevant information about shock absorbers: 1. Introduction: The shock absorber (Absorber) is used to suppress oscillations from spring rebound after absorbing shocks and impacts from the road surface. Widely used in automobiles, it accelerates the attenuation of frame and body vibrations to improve ride comfort. When traversing uneven road surfaces, although the suspension spring can filter out road vibrations, the spring itself still undergoes reciprocating motion, and the shock absorber is designed to restrain this spring oscillation. 2. Working Principle: Most automotive suspension systems use hydraulic shock absorbers. Their working principle involves the piston moving up and down when relative motion occurs between the frame (or body) and axle due to vibration, causing the oil inside the shock absorber chamber to repeatedly flow from one chamber to another through various orifices.
When driving over potholes, I've heard a loud clunking sound in different cars, mainly due to suspension system issues. For example, worn-out or failed shock absorbers, which are supposed to absorb impacts, can make a rattling noise when damaged. Loose ball joints in suspension links are another common cause, as prolonged use can worsen vibrations due to part wear. Additionally, damaged chassis components like stabilizer bars or buffer rubbers can make the sound more noticeable. I recommend not ignoring this noise; regular suspension checks at a repair shop can prevent bigger failures, and driving slowly over potholes can reduce damage to the car. Safe driving is crucial, as neglecting this issue can affect handling and comfort over time.
