Why Does the Car Make a Clunking Noise When Driving Over Uneven Roads?
4 Answers
When a car makes abnormal noises while driving over uneven roads, it may be due to a malfunctioning shock absorber or a faulty shock absorber top mount. The connection points between the car's shock absorbers and the body are equipped with buffer rubber, which is a rubber component. Over time, rubber components can harden and age, leading to abnormal noises when the car traverses bumpy roads. The solutions are as follows: 1. If the shock absorber is malfunctioning, it needs to be replaced with a new one. Shock absorbers are wear-prone parts in a car and can last a long time. However, prolonged use can result in oil leakage, necessitating replacement. 2. If the shock absorber top mount is faulty, it requires replacement with a new buffer rubber.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, the constant clunking noise my car makes on bumpy roads reminds me of my past experiences. There was this old car I used to drive that would clunk endlessly on uneven roads, and I later realized it was due to an aging suspension system—specifically, leaking shock absorbers or loose springs, which caused impacts to be directly transmitted to the chassis without absorption. It could also be due to worn stabilizer bar bushings or loose linkage joints, leading to metal-on-metal contact and strange noises. Don’t underestimate this issue; ignoring it long-term can worsen vehicle handling, such as making the car feel unstable on high-speed curves or causing tires to wear out faster. Checking is simple: park on level ground and gently press down on each corner of the car—if it rebounds too little or too violently, there’s a problem. I recommend visiting a repair shop promptly; replacing small components won’t cost much, and safety comes first. After all, smooth driving is the key to peace of mind. As an experienced driver, I’ve learned to check the suspension first whenever I hear unusual noises—never slack off on daily car maintenance.
I pay close attention to vehicle maintenance, and rattling noises are often related to loose chassis components. Bolts and nuts on the car can loosen over time, such as when the underbody shield falls off or the exhaust pipe hanger is damaged, causing collisions and noise when driving over bumps. My own car had a similar issue, which turned out to be caused by worn-out control arm bushings leading to direct impact against the body. If left unrepaired, the noise becomes more frequent and may even cause damage to other components, such as the risk of oil line leaks. Checking for this isn’t difficult—just crawl under the car to see if any screws are loose or gently shake the wheels to listen for unusual sounds. Regularly tightening key chassis points, like stabilizer bar connections, can significantly reduce such issues. Don’t just focus on oil changes during maintenance—chassis care shouldn’t be overlooked either, as it saves money and hassle. Take your car to a repair shop and let technicians use tools for a thorough inspection—their experience helps pinpoint subtle faults.
I don't drive much, but when encountering a clunking sound, checking tire pressure is most effective. Once when driving over potholes, the car body made a clunking noise, and the mechanic said it might be caused by unbalanced wheel impact due to either overinflated or underinflated tires. Loose wheel bolts or uneven tire wear can also cause similar noises. After adjusting the tire pressure, my car became much quieter—so simple. Sometimes, the issue lies with the tire itself, like deformation or bulging, so it's important to carefully inspect the tread for any abnormalities. It's recommended that car owners develop the habit of checking pressure when inflating tires; the standard value can be found on the sticker on the door frame. Ignoring it can worsen the jolting and shorten tire life. Early intervention is both effortless and safe, and even beginners can learn to do it.
