Why Does a Car Make a Clunking Noise When Going Over Speed Bumps?

[DelHenry]

Car making a clunking noise when going over speed bumps is usually caused by a loose stabilizer bar or shock absorber failure. It's rare for the shock absorber itself to produce noise, only when the shock absorber fails, deteriorates, has internal parts loosened or detached, the shock absorber mounting ring bushing is loose, or there is a lack of oil or oil leakage inside. It is recommended to promptly repair and inspect when such noises occur. The correct way to go over speed bumps: 1. Do not go over speed bumps at an angle, as this causes greater wear and tear on the springs, shock absorbers, and the entire body; 2. Do not go around the speed bump on one side; 3. Do not go over speed bumps at high speed.

[LaAndrew]

When going over speed bumps, I often hear a clunking sound, which seems particularly common in older cars, mainly due to issues with the suspension system. If the shock absorbers are leaking oil or have aged, their cushioning effect weakens, resulting in noise upon impact. Additionally, worn-out bushings under the chassis, such as deteriorated rubber on control arms that falls off, can cause direct metal-to-metal contact, leading to even louder noises. I once drove a car like this—initially ignored it, but later found the brake discs had loosened, worsening the noise. This needs timely repair, as unstable suspension can affect steering control, posing greater risks, especially when driving on highways in rainy conditions. Checking isn’t difficult; just take it to a professional shop for inspection of these parts. Spending some money on replacement parts is far more cost-effective than letting it escalate into a serious accident. Regular suspension maintenance can also help reduce such issues.

[Mackenzie]

Last time my car had this issue, it really scared me—going over speed bumps sounded like crashing pans. I asked the mechanic, and he said common causes include loose chassis fasteners, like suspension bolts not tightened properly, or worn bushings. Another possibility is brake system issues, such as loose calipers or debris stuck in the brake discs. When I actually got it fixed, it turned out to be due to rusted rear suspension links—replacing them made everything quiet again. I recommend car owners first check for wheel wobble and listen for the source of the noise before heading to the shop for troubleshooting. Don’t ignore these noises; leaving suspension issues unaddressed can accelerate deformation and shorten the vehicle’s lifespan. Regular maintenance of chassis components is key.

[AsherFitz]

Bro, this abnormal noise is super annoying, it must be a problem with the car's suspension. The most common issue is a leaking or broken shock absorber, which causes a loud clunk when going over speed bumps without any cushioning. It could also be aging or loose chassis components, like worn-out bushings. Another possibility is improper wheel alignment or low tire pressure, which increases the impact. Get it fixed as soon as possible—spending a few hundred bucks is a small matter. If you don't fix it and the suspension fails on the road, it'll be a much bigger headache. Pay attention to regular maintenance cycles to save yourself a lot of trouble.