Why does my car clunk over bumps?
A clunk or knock over bumps is most often worn sway bar end links, worn strut mounts or shocks, tired control arm bushings, or a worn ball joint. End links and bushings are usually not urgent. A worn ball joint or tie rod can affect steering control, so any new clunk is worth having inspected soon.
Narrowing down the noise
| When you hear it | Likely parts |
|---|---|
| Small bumps, at low speed, a light knock | Sway bar end links |
| Larger bumps, a heavier thud | Strut mounts, shocks or struts |
| Over bumps and when braking or accelerating | Control arm bushings |
| Clunk when turning or going over driveways at an angle | Ball joints, tie rods, end links |
| A loose rattle, more tinny than a clunk | Heat shields, splash shields, exhaust hangers |
What we do
We test drive the car to hear it, then check each joint on the lift for play. Suspension noises are tricky because the sound carries, so we look before we replace. You'll get a photo of the worn part and an honest read on how urgent it is. Sometimes it's simply a loose shield or a part that needs tightening, not a new part at all.
If the noise is more of a rattle, see rattling under the car.
From drivers who came to us
I went to many auto shops asking for quotes on my Toyota Corolla to fix the rattling noise which was my shocks that needed replacement… the smoothness of my car was very rewarding. Im glad the noise disappeared.
Helped me with sway bars and endlinks install. No issues. Very fast and professional with communication.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Is a clunking suspension dangerous?
It depends on the part. A loose end link is mostly noise. A worn ball joint can separate, which can cause a loss of steering control. That's why it's worth an inspection rather than a guess.
Why does it clunk only on one side?
Each side has its own set of parts, and they rarely wear out at exactly the same time. The noise often comes from the side you hear it on, though sound travels through the body.
Do I need to replace parts in pairs?
Shocks and struts are usually replaced in pairs so both sides behave the same. Links, bushings and ball joints can be replaced individually.