What Causes the Front Wheels of a Corolla to Make a Clunking Noise When Going Over Bumps?
2 Answers
Corolla front wheels making a clunking noise when going over bumps may be due to damaged shock absorber plane bearings or aging buffer rubber on the front wheel shock absorbers. Additional details are as follows: 1. Replacing the Rubber: The connection points between the shock absorbers and the car body are cushioned with rubber. Over time, rubber components can harden and age; when this hardened rubber is compressed, it produces a clunking sound. In such cases, simply replacing the aged rubber on the shock absorbers can resolve the issue. 2. Replacing the Shock Absorbers: Apart from the aforementioned aging buffer rubber, damaged shock absorbers can also cause abnormal noises when the car drives over uneven roads. Although shock absorbers have a relatively long lifespan, they are still considered a wear-and-tear component on a vehicle. If the driving environment is harsh or the car is frequently driven aggressively, damage or oil leakage may occur. If the shock absorbers are damaged or leaking, they should be replaced. It is best to use original manufacturer parts for replacement, as their quality is more reliable.
I've fixed plenty of cars in my life. When a Corolla's front wheels make a clunking noise over bumps, the most common causes are worn shock absorbers or loose ball joints. If the shock absorber is leaking oil or the piston is damaged, it can't cushion the bumps, causing metal-to-metal contact and that knocking sound when the wheels move up and down. It could also be worn lower arm bushings or a broken stabilizer link - any gap in these components will produce clunking over bumps. Tire issues might contribute too, like uneven tread or damage, but those usually cause vibrations rather than clunking sounds. Don't underestimate this problem - it can make the wheels feel unstable and lead to loss of control during high-speed turns. Get it checked at a professional shop ASAP. The best approach is to put the car on a lift and shake the wheels while listening for the exact source of the noise - fixing it usually doesn't cost much, and safety comes first. Try to avoid rough roads in daily driving to reduce wear on suspension components.
