Why is there a clunking sound when driving at low speed?
2 Answers
The clunking sound in a car may be caused by small stones stuck in the tire treads or lack of lubrication in the wheel hub bearings. Below are specific explanations for abnormal car noises: 1. Engine: A whirring sound indicates a bearing issue, while a squeaking sound points to problems with the starter or belt. 2. Transmission: A clicking sound suggests issues with the transmission gears, a grinding sound indicates bearing problems, and a rattling noise means severe transmission damage. 3. Brakes: A metal scraping sound means the brake pads need replacement. 4. Steering system: A clunking sound indicates problems with the steering ball joint or rubber boot.
I've been driving for over 30 years, and low-speed knocking sounds are quite common. Most of the time, it's due to aging ball joints or bushings in the suspension system. When the wear becomes significant, you'll hear a knocking sound during low-speed turns or when going over bumps. It could also be caused by failed shock absorbers or uneven tire tread wear, leading to irregular bouncing. Once, my car made quite a scary noise, and it turned out to be a bad wheel hub bearing—replacing it immediately made everything quiet again. Safety first—don't delay too long; find a reliable repair shop to lift the car and inspect the chassis and drivetrain components. Pay attention to potholes while driving, and regularly lubricate the chassis to extend its lifespan and avoid unnecessary headaches.