Why Does the Car Suspension Make Noise When Going Over Bumps?
3 Answers
The main reason for noise when the car suspension goes over bumps is shock absorber oil leakage. Hazards of shock absorber oil leakage: Shock absorber oil leakage can result in poor damping performance, especially causing noise when driving on rough roads. Over time, it can damage the suspension springs and the vehicle body. Replacing the shock absorber: First, remove the four screws and take off the fender, where you can see the repaired AB glue on the fender. Loosen the two screws fixing the brake caliper and remove the caliper. Remove the plastic cover at the top of the shock absorber, slightly loosen the screw with a hex key, then remove the two hex screws fixing the shock absorber and take it off.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen countless cases of suspension noise when going over bumps. Usually it's caused by failed shock absorbers - either the oil has leaked out or the piston is stuck, preventing effective cushioning of impacts. Worn or loose suspension components like control arm ball joints or bushings can also creak when shaken. Another common issue is damaged dust boots letting in dirt that increases friction. I've personally encountered cases where loose bolts caused clunking noises over bumps, which were fixed by tightening them. But most situations require part replacements, otherwise the problem may escalate into suspension deformation or breakage, creating serious driving hazards. I recommend getting professional inspections at the first sign of abnormal noises to ensure safety. While rare, I've also seen cases of broken springs due to fatigue, and cracks at chassis mounting points can produce similar sounds. Regular maintenance is the most reliable prevention.
My car recently had this issue with the suspension making noise when going over bumps, a clicking sound that was quite annoying. I thought the shock absorbers were broken and needed replacement, but upon inspection, it turned out the bushings on the front suspension lower arms had aged, cracked, and loosened. Pushing the tire showed obvious wobbling. I tried tightening the screws myself, but it didn’t help. Later, I went to a repair shop and replaced the bushings, which completely fixed the problem. Since then, I often wash my car and inspect the dust covers and suspension joints, wiping off dust to prevent accelerated wear. Noises when going over bumps are usually caused by loose or worn parts. I suggest you pay attention to whether the sound comes from the front or rear, and whether it happens when driving straight over bumps or during turns, as this can help diagnose the issue faster and address it promptly to avoid higher costs later. Also, occasionally, a warped brake disc can cause similar noises, but this is less common.
