BLOG

Why is My Car Rattling When Going Over Bumps?

Are you hearing rattling, clunking, or ringing noises coming from the front of your vehicle when going over a bump? If so, you likely have an issue with your suspension. If left unattended, a suspension problem could cause significant damage to your vehicle, or worse — it could turn into a major safety hazard, endangering yourself and others on the road. The good news is that this is typically an issue that can be fixed by an experienced mechanic.

At Elite RV & Car Care, our suspension repair technicians have extensive experience handling a wide range of suspension-related issues on a variety of makes and models of vehicles both foreign and domestic. When you bring in your car for an appointment, our automotive team will diagnose the problem and get it fixed the right way so that you can get back out on the road.

You Should Never Ignore Noise From Your Suspension

Diagnosing a suspension ‘sound’ can be challenging. Most drivers can hear that something is wrong, but they are rarely sure of what exactly is the problem. While most modern vehicles tend to have relatively similar types of suspensions, there are many different implementation and component parts. For the untrained person, it can be difficult to figure out what is causing that annoying (and potentially dangerous) suspension rattle. Experienced suspension technicians will often address this problem by using the LIT method: Listen, Inspect, Test.

Different Noises Indicate Different Problems

Certain types of noises tend to indicate certain types of problems. By listening to the problem, or your description of the sound, an experienced mechanic will often have a solid idea of what needs to be repaired or replaced. Though, to be certain, a visual inspection and subsequent testing will usually also be required. For reference, some common sounds and problems include:

A heavy and dull “clunk” on large bumps: This often indicates an issue with the lower arm suspension bushes or the upper arm suspension bushes.

A “rattle“ sound on light bumps (cracks in road): This is consistent with anti roll bar drop links that are worn out or that have snapped. Notably, this sound often goes away when a vehicle reaches higher speeds. However, that does not mean that there is no problem. Alternatively, this sound could also indicate worn-out shock absorbers.

A ‘creaking’ or ‘clanking’ sound: In many cases, this sound indicates that there is a broken spring. Though, it could also suggest other issues, such as a damage to the suspension arm bearings.

Ultimately, the only way to be sure that you have figured out the specific source of the problem in your vehicle is to bring it in to one of our experienced mechanics for an inspection. There is no reason to wait, since the rattle is unlikely to go away on its own. By taking action now, you could save a lot of money in the long run.

Set Up Your Auto Repair Appointment Now

At Elite RV & Car Care, our dedicated automotive professionals are standing by, ready to help you with your vehicle’s suspension problem. To set up an immediate appointment, please contact us today at (281) 812-3085. We are friendly, professional, and always offer fair prices.

CC image courtesy of Deborah Fitchett at Flickr