What causes the loud bang when a car runs over a stone?
2 Answers
When a car runs over a stone and makes a loud bang, it could be due to the stone hitting the chassis, the sound coming from the suspension's lower control arm, or the shock absorber. If this happens, it is recommended to have the chassis inspected. More details are as follows: 1. Shock Absorber: The shock absorber in a vehicle is a wear-and-tear part. Most vehicle shock absorbers can last a long time, but their performance degrades over time. If you run over a large stone and hear a very loud noise, it might be coming from the shock absorber. 2. Oil Leakage: Some vehicle shock absorbers may develop oil leaks over time. If a shock absorber is leaking, it needs to be replaced. When replacing shock absorbers, it is recommended to replace all four at once. If only one shock absorber is leaking, it indicates that the other three are likely to start leaking soon, so it is advisable to replace all four shock absorbers together.
I've driven many cars and encountered situations where hitting a stone produced a loud 'bang' sound. This usually occurs when the stone suddenly impacts the car's chassis or wheel arch, causing metal components to vibrate and produce noise. The sound is particularly loud, almost like something being struck hard. After such incidents, I've checked and found that stones might be flung up by the tires and hit the underbody, or get stuck between the tire and wheel hub causing friction. Once, I discovered a small stone lodged near the tire edge that was nearly missed, which I later removed myself. My advice is to stop and inspect the tires and chassis immediately after hitting a stone to check for scratches or tire damage. If this happens frequently, it might indicate loose suspension components requiring professional inspection. This not only prevents potential safety issues but also saves on repair costs. While driving, try to avoid large stones and maintain a safe distance, which is quite effective.
