What's the cause of the squeaking sound from the shock absorber when a Bora passes over a speed bump?
3 Answers
Bora passing over a speed bump with a squeaking sound from the shock absorber may indicate a shock absorber failure or suspension failure. Shock absorber failure: When there is a "squeaking" noise from the shock absorber, the first thing to check is the shock absorber itself. A faulty shock absorber can cause the car to lack damping and rebound when passing over a speed bump, and it may not be adequately lubricated, resulting in abnormal noises. Suspension failure: Abnormal noises when passing over a speed bump could also be due to a car suspension failure. The suspension includes components such as links, springs, and shock absorbers. Any faulty part can cause abnormal noises from the shock absorber, and during driving, you can clearly feel that the car is relatively loose.
This creaking sound is most likely an issue with the suspension system. My car had the same problem recently - it would squeak when going over speed bumps. Turned out the shock absorber rubber bushings had aged and dried out, cracking like a mouse squeaking. It could also be the top mount bushing or stabilizer bar bushings - rubber components tend to become brittle after five or six years, especially noticeable in summer. The most annoying one is when the lower control arm ball joint gets loose, causing metallic grinding noises when going over bumps. My advice is - don't rush to replace the entire shock absorber. First have a mechanic jack up the car and specifically check all the suspension linkage components by shaking them - you'll probably find the source. Only consider replacing the complete shock assembly if absolutely necessary, since labor costs are a significant factor.
The squeaking noise is mostly caused by worn rubber components in the chassis. My old car started making noises last winter, and upon inspection, I found the shock absorber dust boots were cracked, letting dust in and causing creaking sounds. Another possibility is aged rubber spring seats - when the rubber hardens, it produces this kind of friction noise. I recommend addressing it early. My neighbor's car had similar issues for half a year, and later discovered the strut mount bearings were worn out, making repairs more expensive. It's best to check the shock absorbers yourself first - if there's oil leakage or stains, they need replacement. If they're dry, it's likely just the rubber bushings at fault.
