What causes the plastic knocking sound at the rear of the Ford EcoSport when passing over speed bumps?
3 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noises at the rear of the Ford EcoSport when passing over speed bumps are as follows: 1. Aging of the stabilizer bar link ball joint: After prolonged use, the stabilizer bar link ball joint may age, causing a creaking sound when passing over speed bumps. If abnormal noises are noticed while driving over speed bumps, check if the stabilizer bar link ball joint has aged and address the issue promptly if aging is observed. 2. Excessive gap in the steering tie rod ball joint: An excessive gap in the steering tie rod ball joint can also cause a creaking sound when the vehicle passes over speed bumps. Lift the vehicle and shake the wheels forcefully from side to side to check for abnormal gaps. A properly functioning tie rod ball joint should not move. 3. Damage to cushioning components on the chassis: Damage to cushioning components on the chassis can result in abnormal noises when passing over speed bumps. This may be due to abnormalities in the rubber cushioning blocks on the stabilizer bar, which is also a significant cause of abnormal noises when vehicles pass over speed bumps.
Experiencing a plastic rattling sound after driving a Ford EcoSport over speed bumps is something I've encountered before. It's highly likely that the plastic components near the rear suspension have come loose, such as the underguard of the rear bumper or the fender not being securely fastened, causing them to collide during vibrations. My old car had a similar issue due to aged and detached plastic underbody panels, making it sound like drumming when driving over rough roads. It could also be loose trunk trim panels or underbody heat shields. Compact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport have tight rear spaces, which tend to accumulate dust and accelerate wear. I recommend first clearing out any clutter in the trunk and quickly checking underneath the car for loose bolts. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible to have a mechanic inspect the suspension system or exhaust pipe supports using a lift. Safety is no small matter; don't let minor issues turn into major hazards. Additionally, prolonged looseness of plastic parts may lead to breakage or detachment, posing greater risks. Timely detection can save a significant amount on repairs. Last time I delayed repairs for six months and ended up spending hundreds more.
Hey, my car had that noise too, really annoying! Probably something loose at the rear of the Ford EcoSport, like the plastic fender liner or the under-trunk cover. They rattle when going over speed bumps. I initially thought it was unsecured items in the trunk, but the noise persisted even after emptying it. Later, I found out it was due to aged plastic clips on the chassis—a common issue with Ford's design. Quick fix: After parking, shake the plastic panels near the rear suspension by hand to check for looseness. If you can't be bothered, just replace the clips at a shop—it's cheap. Alternatively, the exhaust heat shield might have shifted, but that produces a more metallic sound. Plastic rattling is usually harmless, but prolonged neglect could lead to detachment, especially in rainy conditions where water accumulation causes corrosion. I’d recommend asking a reliable friend to take a look or visiting a nearby repair shop to avoid daily frustration. After all, driving safety comes first—don’t bet on it fixing itself.
