What Causes the Squeaking Sound When a Car's Shock Absorber Goes Over a Bump?
2 Answers
When a car makes abnormal noises while driving on bumpy roads, it indicates that the shock absorber may be damaged to some extent. Here is a detailed introduction to the symptoms of shock absorber failure: Abnormal noise: If the shock absorber makes abnormal noises when the vehicle is driving on bumpy roads, it is highly likely that the shock absorber is damaged. Oil leakage: Use a flashlight to inspect the shock absorber through the wheel arch. If oil leakage is observed on the exterior of the shock absorber, it indicates that the shock absorber is already damaged. Loose chassis: When driving on bumpy roads, if the vehicle's body exhibits excessive bouncing or swaying, it usually indicates a problem with the shock absorber.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have encountered the issue of squeaking when going over bumps several times—it's quite common. Usually, it's due to aged or worn rubber bushings, especially those on the front suspension's control arms or stabilizer links. Over time, the rubber cracks, causing friction and squeaking when the car jolts. Another possibility is leaking oil seals inside the shock absorbers, leading to poor lubrication and friction-induced noise. Loose connecting bolts could also be the culprit, causing components to rattle when the car moves. During inspection, first check for oil stains around the shock absorbers and try shaking the wheel area by hand to locate the noise. Don’t ignore this issue—continued driving may worsen the wear and affect driving safety. It's best to visit a professional repair shop to have a mechanic diagnose and replace the faulty parts when you have time.
