What is the loud bang sound when driving over a pothole at 80 km/h?
2 Answers
Due to the heavy weight of the vehicle and the high speed, suddenly driving over a pothole will inevitably cause significant compression of the shock absorber. Since the shock absorber has limited compression travel, it may bottom out when hitting the pothole. After passing the pothole, you can check whether the suspension is damaged by observing if there is any steering deviation, unusual noises during driving, or oil leakage from the shock absorber. If you are still concerned, you can have the vehicle lifted for inspection if conditions permit. Below is some relevant information about shock absorbers: 1. Factors affecting the lifespan of shock absorbers: There are many factors that affect the lifespan of shock absorbers, such as road conditions, personal driving habits, and the quality of the shock absorbers themselves. As long as the shock absorber does not show signs of oil leakage, internal rubber aging, or cracking, it can continue to be used. Of course, regular inspections can extend the vehicle's lifespan. Generally, shock absorbers should be inspected after driving about 100,000 kilometers. In reality, the replacement frequency may vary depending on different vehicle conditions, road conditions, and the manufacturer of the shock absorbers. 2. Types of shock absorber failures: Common shock absorber failures include unusual noises, oil leakage, and heavy steering. While shock absorber failures do not directly affect driving safety, they can impact the vehicle's handling and driving feel.
Hearing a 'bang' sound when going over a pothole at 80 km/h is most likely a suspension system issue. If the shock absorbers are aged or damaged, they can't absorb the impact, causing a direct hit to the chassis and producing a loud noise. Broken or deformed springs can also lead to a hard landing of the car body, sounding like hitting a metal block. With twenty years of driving experience, I've encountered this several times, especially when driving old cars on rough roads with deep potholes. If left unfixed, it can lead to unstable handling and significant safety risks. It's best to have a professional shop check the suspension arms and rubber bushings, and regularly replacing shock absorbers can prevent this. Developing the habit of slowing down over potholes also protects the car body and extends its lifespan—don't sacrifice your car for speed.
