What Causes the Front Shock Absorber to Make a Bumpy Clunking Noise?
2 Answers
This situation may be caused by damage to the control arm of the front suspension or aging of the buffer rubber on the front shock absorber. If this occurs, it is recommended to inspect the control arm of the front suspension and replace the buffer rubber of the front shock absorber. If the control arm of the front suspension is damaged, a new control arm needs to be replaced. If the buffer rubber of the front shock absorber is damaged, new buffer rubber should be installed. Below are some relevant details: 1. The connection points between the shock absorber and the vehicle body are equipped with buffer rubber, which enhances ride comfort and protects the vehicle body. However, rubber components can harden over time due to aging. When the vehicle encounters bumpy roads, the buffer rubber on the shock absorber gets compressed, leading to unusual noises. To resolve this issue, simply replace the aged buffer rubber. 2. Replacing the buffer rubber requires disassembling the shock absorber. During installation, it is essential to use a professional torque wrench to tighten the screws in the specified sequence. After reinstalling the shock absorber, a four-wheel alignment must be performed to prevent the vehicle from pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. If the vehicle pulls to one side, it can affect driving stability and handling. Uneven tire wear will shorten the lifespan of the tires.
My car had the same issue last year, making a thumping noise near the front wheels when driving over bumps, like a drum being beaten. I thought the shock absorber was broken, but after a mechanic checked it, it turned out the top mount was aged and cracked. It connects the shock absorber to the car body, and when the cushioning is insufficient, it can loosen and rub. Replacing the new top mount only cost a few dozen bucks, and the problem was solved. If I had tried to diagnose it myself first, I could have parked and shaken the wheel to check for looseness or used a flashlight to see if there was any oil leakage from the shock absorber. Don’t underestimate this noise—it indicates instability in the suspension system. If not fixed promptly, driving at high speeds can feel unstable. Now, I check these parts every six months as a preventive measure.
