What Causes the Occasional Clunking Noise from the Right Rear Wheel of a Car?
2 Answers
The reasons for the clunking noise from the right rear wheel of a car include severe wear, severely worn brake pads, and damage to the right rear shock absorber. Below are the specific causes of the clunking noise from the right rear wheel: Severe Wear: If the right rear wheel of the car is severely worn, with bulges or out-of-round conditions on the tire, a clunking noise will occur while driving. In such cases, the tire should be repaired or replaced promptly to avoid safety hazards. Severely Worn Brake Pads: If the brake pads on the right rear wheel are severely worn, friction will cause abnormal noises. Damaged Right Rear Shock Absorber: Damage to the right rear shock absorber of the car mainly includes damage to the plane bearing, ball joint, or spring.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the occasional clunking noise from the right rear wheel, which is not something to take lightly. The most common cause is wheel bearing wear. Bearings operating under high temperatures for extended periods can produce this sound when lubrication is insufficient, especially during turns or on bumpy roads. It could also be an issue with the braking system, such as loose brake pads or an unstable caliper mount, which becomes more noticeable during hard braking. The suspension system is another suspect—worn shock absorber bushings or damaged control arm ball joints can cause the wheel to wobble and not fit snugly. I recommend starting with a simple self-check: park on level ground and shake the right rear wheel to see if it's loose. If there's noticeable play, the bearing might be bad. If not, pay attention to whether the noise occurs during braking or normal driving to narrow down the issue. But don't delay too long—increased noise can lead to wheel lock-up or even accidents. Safety first. It's best to visit a reputable repair shop where they can quickly diagnose the problem with proper tools.
