What Causes the Front Shock Absorber of a Car to Make Abnormal Noises?

[VonEmilia]

Abnormal noises from the front shock absorber of a car may be caused by oil leakage or bending of the shock absorber itself, abnormal wear or aging of the shock absorber pressure bearing, deformation of the shock absorber spring, and other reasons. Tips for solving abnormal noises from car shock absorbers: Remove the shock absorber, stand it upright, and clamp the lower connecting ring in a bench vise. Pull and press the shock rod several times with force. There should be stable resistance during this process, with the resistance when pulling up greater than when pressing down. If the resistance is unstable or absent, it may indicate a lack of oil inside the shock absorber or damage to the valve components. In such cases, the shock absorber buffer rubber or the shock absorber itself should be replaced. The function of car shock absorbers: The main role of shock absorbers is to dampen vibrations. They allow the car to drive smoothly, ensuring passenger comfort by minimizing the sensation of bumps. Shock absorbers are part of the car's suspension system. When ground impacts reach the springs, the shock absorbers prevent the springs from rebounding excessively, maintaining stable driving conditions. Without them, the car body would experience significant jolts. Shock absorbers are wear-prone components during car usage. Their performance directly affects the smoothness of the car's ride and the lifespan of other mechanical parts. Therefore, it is essential to keep shock absorbers in good working condition.

[OJesse]

When I previously drove a small car and experienced abnormal noises from the front shock absorbers, it was mostly due to the shock absorbers aging or leaking oil. You could hear a thumping or squeaking sound while driving, especially when going over speed bumps or rough roads. Wear and tear on the top mount is also a common cause—when that rubber part hardens or cracks, it creates impact noise. Aging of the stabilizer bar bushings can lead to similar issues; its role is to dampen vibrations, and when worn, the noise becomes quite noticeable. If the shock absorber spring is deformed or broken, the lack of cushioning will also result in loud noises. If these problems aren’t addressed promptly, the handling deteriorates, the steering feels unstable, and there’s a higher risk during high-speed turns. My car had the same issue last year, but after a mechanic inspected and replaced the parts, it was fine. I recommend going to a professional shop sooner rather than later—don’t delay.

[DiJoseph]

When doing DIY car repairs, I found that front suspension noise is quite common, and the key issue is often a faulty shock absorber itself, such as worn seals causing oil leaks, which leads to metal grinding sounds during vibration. Additionally, loose rubber bushings on the shock absorber mounts can produce rattling noises on bumpy roads. Worn control arm ball joints should not be overlooked either, as loose connecting parts can result in knocking sounds. Aged stabilizer bar bushings can cause particularly annoying squeaks. While driving, pay attention to the location of the noise: minor sounds may just indicate aging small parts, but if the noise grows louder, it could signal a major problem. Start with simple checks during inspection, looking for oil stains or loose components. If the issue persists, it’s best to visit a repair shop for professional diagnostic tools. Safety comes first—only when the problem is fixed can you enjoy a smooth ride.

[LeCamille]

When driving with my family, I'm always concerned about abnormal noises affecting safety. Sounds from the front shock absorbers are mostly due to shock absorber failure. After aging, the damping effect fails, resulting in obvious thumping noises. Worn top mounts are also common, causing metal collisions when going over bumps. Loose stabilizer bar bushings produce faint but dangerous sounds. These abnormal noises make driving unstable, especially at high speeds where skidding is more likely. Early intervention is necessary.