What to Do About Abnormal Noises from New Car Shock Absorbers?

[StKaden]

Shock Absorber Abnormal Noises: Causes and Solutions The causes of abnormal noises from shock absorbers include oil leakage and aging of the top mount thrust bearing. Below are the specific reasons for shock absorber abnormal noises: Shock Absorber Oil Leakage: When a shock absorber leaks oil, the interior of the shock tube cannot be effectively lubricated, resulting in significant friction noises during operation. Aging of the Top Mount Thrust Bearing: The thrust bearing is located in the engine compartment. Open the hood and press down on the car body to listen if the noise is coming from the top mount of the shock absorber. If so, it is likely due to the aging of the thrust bearing. If the shock absorber spring is deformed or broken, the only solution is to replace the entire shock absorber spring.

[Emman]

I just picked up my new car recently, and every time I go over a speed bump, I hear a clunking noise from the rear, which is really annoying. I immediately drove back to the 4S dealership, where the technician lifted the car to inspect it. He said that the noise was caused by the shock absorber bushings being too tightly assembled, causing friction, especially noticeable in cold weather. They used professional tools to re-tighten the shock absorber base screws and applied silicone-based grease to the connection points. After driving back, the noise disappeared. Noise issues with new cars during the warranty period are all handled for free, so I recommend getting them checked out early. My friend’s car had a similar issue, and it turned out to be a manufacturing defect in the shock absorber’s internal piston rod. They simply used the warranty to replace the entire assembly, and the problem was solved.

[CharlieLee]

Just two months after picking up the car, I noticed a metal friction sound when going over bumps. I asked an experienced mechanic at the repair shop to take a look. He said that new cars' suspension systems require a break-in period, and the rubber bushings being too stiff can cause unusual noises, which might improve after driving around 2,000 kilometers. However, persistent noises could indicate loose shock absorber mounting bolts or aged buffer blocks, especially after the rainy season when rubber components tend to harden. He advised me to keep the speed below 20 km/h when going over speed bumps to reduce suspension impact. Last week during maintenance, they addressed the issue—the technician sprayed rubber protectant on the dust covers and adjusted the torque of the top mount screws. Now, the noise is mostly gone.

[Albuquerque]

Last time I drove my friend's newly purchased SUV, which was only half a year old, there was a thudding noise from the chassis when going over manhole covers. He took it to his trusted repair shop for inspection, and the owner used a stethoscope to locate abnormal noise from the left rear shock absorber. Upon disassembly, it was found to be a design flaw in the bump stop of the new shock absorber model, where the gap with the bracket was too small, causing collision noises. The solution was to install Teflon spacers in the gap, and later the manufacturer released upgraded parts. This situation is actually quite common, especially with newly launched models. If the vehicle is still under warranty, remember to file a report at the authorized 4S dealership—manufacturers usually provide free replacement with improved parts.