What Causes the Metallic Impact Sound When Front Wheels Go Over Potholes?
2 Answers
Front wheels making a metallic impact sound when going over potholes is usually caused by abnormal noises from the engine or transmission. Here are the detailed explanations: Engine abnormal noise: Symptom description: There can be various possibilities for abnormal noises in the engine compartment. Most people identify it as engine compartment noise based on the sound source, which is usually a sharp metallic sound or a whistling noise. Solution: Engine abnormal noises are mainly caused by worn parts or improper assembly adjustments. They should be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. It's best to send the vehicle to a professional repair shop for inspection. Transmission abnormal noise: Symptom description: If there's a rustling sound inside the transmission while driving, and the noise disappears when the clutch or accelerator is pressed, or if there's a whistling-like sound during gear shifting. Solution: The transmission has many components, and the causes of noise can be complex. When analyzing and diagnosing, pay attention to whether the noise is related to specific speeds or certain gears. This is crucial for determining transmission faults. If a noise occurs in a specific gear, it's certainly related to components affecting that gear's transmission. If noises occur in all gears, it's often due to a fault in the constant mesh gear shaft or insufficient transmission oil. Also, observe if the noise is related to specific actions such as gear shifting, starting, rapid acceleration, rapid deceleration, or turning, as these are effective means for identifying abnormal noises. Among these, changing speed and direction are particularly important for diagnosing rear axle faults.
The other day when I was driving, my front wheels made a loud clanking metal sound whenever I went over potholes. This is usually a sign of loose or damaged suspension components. For a car that's been driven for years like mine, common causes include: worn-out shock absorbers leaking oil, which can make noise when hitting bumps; or worn ball joints on the stabilizer bar links that rattle against the frame when moving; even loose brake caliper mounting bolts can knock around on rough roads. Suspension issues affect driving stability, especially during high-speed cornering where loss of control could occur. I recommend scheduling an inspection – first visually check for obvious oil leaks or cracks, then have a mechanic lift the car and test by shaking the wheels to pinpoint the noise source. Don't ignore these sounds as they can warn of more serious failures. During routine maintenance, ask technicians to inspect suspension components – a small preventive cost avoids major hazards.
