What does it mean when there's a loud clunk sound at 40 mph over a pothole?

[SanJustin]

When driving over a pothole, the clunking sound you hear is a metallic noise. If you don't avoid the pothole in time, the shock absorber will rapidly compress. When this compression exceeds its limit, the shock absorber will bottom out, producing a clunking sound, which is the metallic noise of the impact against the buffer block. Here's some additional information: 1. Shock Absorber: To accelerate the attenuation of vibrations between the frame and the body, thereby improving the vehicle's ride smoothness (comfort), most cars are equipped with shock absorbers in their suspension systems. Hydraulic shock absorbers are widely used in automotive suspension systems. Their working principle is that when the frame and axle move reciprocally and the piston moves back and forth inside the cylinder of the shock absorber, the oil inside the shock absorber's housing repeatedly flows from one chamber to another through narrow pores. 2. Precautions: If this happens, you should check whether the tire has developed a bulge or if any chassis components have been impacted. However, there's no need to worry too much, as every vehicle undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the factory, and it's rare to encounter the vehicle's limits in everyday life. If this occurs frequently over time, it can accelerate the aging and damage of the shock absorber. Therefore, when driving over potholes, always pass slowly, prioritizing safety.

[SanSophie]

I've been driving for decades, and this kind of loud 'bang' when hitting a pothole at 40 mph is really common. It's mostly due to aging shock absorbers leaking oil, losing their cushioning effect, leading to metal-on-metal impact when hitting bumps. It could also be loose bushings, with suspension components becoming wobbly. I remember my old car had the same issue—it got shakier over time, even feeling unstable when turning, which was quite dangerous. You should head to a repair shop right away. They'll take it apart to check the bushings or springs, and you might need to replace the shock absorbers. Slow down when going over potholes—40 mph is a significant impact, especially when it's rainy and the potholes are slippery, making the car unstable. Regular suspension checks are the way to go—peace of mind and safety.

[IsabelaLee]

Since childhood, I've loved tinkering with machinery. That 'clunk' sound from the shock absorber usually means the oil seal is damaged and leaking, resulting in insufficient damping force – causing direct metal-on-metal impact when hitting potholes. It could also be loose suspension ball joints with excessive clearance creating that rattling noise. You can crouch down to check for oil stains on the shock absorbers or press on the car body to listen for noises as preliminary diagnostics. Long-term neglect accelerates wear and causes collateral damage to other components. While 40 km/h isn't particularly fast, deep potholes place heavy stress on the suspension. I recommend professional inspection – proper maintenance significantly improves handling precision.

[LaAlexis]

I always prioritize safety. That loud clunking sound is terrifying, indicating failed shock absorbers or loose components. If not repaired promptly, it can cause instability during high-speed cornering and body shaking when braking, posing significant risks! Pull over immediately for inspection and head to the repair shop. Hitting a pothole at 40 mph delivers a substantial impact, transmitting vibrations to the steering wheel and increasing the risk of losing control. Regular suspension maintenance is crucial—don’t delay, as safety is priceless.

[VonSawyer]

I know a bit about car repair. If it makes noise when going over bumps, it's mostly a suspension issue. First, check: see if the shock absorbers are leaking or if the suspension arms are loose. If you don't have tools, try driving slowly over a few bumps to feel the vibration. If there's looseness, it might be due to aging bushings—tighten them yourself or use spare parts to save some money. If you can't fix it, then go to the shop for a replacement to save time and hassle. At 40 mph, if the bumps are too big and the car bounces, drive carefully to extend its lifespan.