Why does the car suddenly feel very bumpy?
2 Answers
Suddenly feeling strong bumpiness in the car can be caused by: 1. Wheel hub out-of-round; 2. Improper wheel alignment - incorrect wheel alignment can cause changes in wheel camber, caster, and toe angles, resulting in noticeable bumpiness at low speeds; 3. Suspension system failure causing bumpy feeling when driving on flat roads. In the suspension system, the absorption of bumps mainly relies on springs, while the hydraulic shock absorbers function to reduce the repeated extension cycles of the springs when absorbing vibrations, thereby greatly improving vehicle stability. When hydraulic shock absorbers fail, the repeated extension of springs cannot be effectively controlled, causing the vehicle body to bounce up and down and creating a bumpy sensation.
After driving for so many years, if I suddenly feel a strong bumpiness, there must be a problem—most likely with the tires or suspension. For example, uneven tire pressure, like the left front tire being higher and the right rear tire lower, can make the car sway left and right like it's dancing. Or, uneven tire wear, where one side's tread is completely worn out, can make driving unstable. It could also be due to aging suspension components, such as a broken shock absorber or weak springs, causing the car to bounce up and down nonstop over small bumps. I've also experienced slight wheel rim deformation or lost balancing weights, leading to high-frequency vibrations. The most dangerous scenario is loose steering components, like worn ball joints or bushings, making the car feel floaty when turning. In such cases, don't delay—check tire pressure, tire condition, and suspension parts as soon as possible. Safe driving is the top priority. Otherwise, prolonged bumpiness can damage other components like brake discs, increasing repair costs.
