Why Does the Chassis Make Noise on Rough Roads?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for abnormal noises from the vehicle chassis: 1. Abnormal noises caused by looseness or deformation of chassis components. 2. Abnormal noises related to tire tread noise. Various transmission devices, connecting parts, and front/rear wheel bearings could all potentially produce sounds. Below is a detailed explanation of the causes of abnormal noises from the vehicle chassis: 1. When driving on bumpy roads, if a clunking sound is heard, it indicates loose suspension components. It's necessary to inspect the tie rod ball joints, lower arm ball joints, stabilizer bar ball joints and bushings, shock absorbers, pressure bearings, and the steering gear. Looseness in any of these areas can cause such noises. 2. During installation, replacement, maintenance, or routine servicing, human errors such as improperly tightened screws, component interference, incorrect positioning, reverse installation, or other oversights and carelessness can lead to abnormal noises from components. Some critical safety component noises, such as those from the braking system, could be due to worn brake pads reaching their limit and directly grinding against the disc, or power steering system noises caused by insufficient lubrication in the chassis.
A couple of days ago, my car kept squeaking when driving on bumpy roads, and it took me a long time to figure out the reason. If the chassis is clunking, it's mostly due to aging shock absorber top mounts. These rubber components harden and crack over time, causing metal-to-metal contact when going over bumps. Also, check the control arm bushings—if they're torn or lack lubrication, metal parts rubbing together can create squeaking noises when driving over rough terrain. Last time, even the small links of my car's stabilizer bar were loose, making a clattering sound like bamboo clappers on gravel roads. Another easily overlooked part is the exhaust pipe hanger; if the bolts are loose, the exhaust pipe will sway and bang against the chassis. If you really can't pinpoint the source of the noise, the most reliable method is to lift the car and shake each chassis component one by one.
