Why is there a clunking sound when driving at low speed?

[Debra]

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.

[AlejandroRose]

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.

[VonAlessandra]

There's a knocking sound at low speeds, and I suspect it's an issue with the chassis suspension components. It could be a loose steering knuckle or worn bushings causing increased clearance at the joints, resulting in collision noises when driving slowly over bumps. Alternatively, it might be caused by a loose brake caliper or abnormal friction between the disc and pads. I've seen a friend's car with similar symptoms; a simple test is to shift to neutral and shake the wheel to listen for impact sounds. If you're not experienced, taking the car to a repair shop for a tool-assisted diagnosis would be quicker. Tire issues like unstable air pressure can also amplify noise, so regular checks on tire pressure and the chassis can prevent minor problems from escalating.

[JeremiahRose]

My car often makes a clunking noise at low speeds, which startled me into getting it repaired, only to find out the suspension arm was broken. After spending a few hundred dollars to replace the part, the noise stopped. Another possible cause could be regular impact sounds from worn wheel hub bearings or brake discs. Safety is the top priority—if you hear similar noises, stop and check immediately, don't risk driving at high speeds. Regular maintenance of the suspension system can prevent such failures. I've learned from experience that unusual noises in a car are often early signs of minor issues, so don't wait for them to worsen.

[Judy]

The low-speed knocking noise is likely caused by wear and tear of chassis components, such as loose suspension support arms or damaged rubber bushings, which create collision noises when the car moves. It could also be due to wheel hub issues or a deformed half-shaft. My car made such noises a while ago, and after inspection, it turned out the tire screws were not tightened properly—tightening them solved the problem. It's advisable to shake the tires after parking to check for any abnormal looseness. If unsure, visit a professional shop for inspection; the repair cost is low but ensures peace of mind. While driving, avoid sudden acceleration and sharp turns to reduce stress on the components.