Why Is My Car Making A Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps?
- Tyler Ellis
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
A clunk over bumps is your car’s way of saying, “Something that’s supposed to be tight & controlled is now loose & loud.” Sometimes it’s minor. Sometimes it’s a suspension part that’s one pothole away from turning into a bigger, more expensive problem.
If you’re hearing Why Is My Car Making A Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps?, the biggest thing to know is this: suspension noises are rarely “just noise.” They’re usually movement that shouldn’t be happening.
The Problem & Why It Matters
Clunking typically shows up when the suspension loads & unloads—bumps, speed humps, uneven driveways, braking dips, or quick lane changes.
That sound can come from the front or rear, but the risk is similar: worn parts can affect handling, tire wear, braking stability, & overall safety.
What Causes This Problem?
Suspension & steering systems are full of joints, bushings, links, & mounts that are designed to absorb impact smoothly. When rubber cracks, metal loosens, or ball joints wear, the suspension starts “knocking” instead of gliding.
A helpful clue: a clunk is usually a gap—something shifting & hitting when it shouldn’t.
Why Is My Car Making A Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps? Common Causes
Worn sway bar links or sway bar bushings
These are among the most common clunk makers. The sway bar controls body roll, & the links/bushings take a beating over time.
Clues:
Clunk over small bumps (even at low speed)
Noise feels like it’s near the corners of the car
Often worse on rough parking lots or washboard roads
Loose or worn ball joints
Ball joints connect control arms to the steering knuckle. When they wear, you can get clunks, wandering, or uneven tire wear.
Clues:
Clunk plus loose steering feel
Tire wear on edges
Noise can show up when braking or turning too
Bad control arm bushings
Control arm bushings keep alignment stable while absorbing impacts. When they crack or separate, the arm can shift under load.
Clues:
Clunk when braking or accelerating (weight transfer)
Car may pull or feel unstable on uneven roads
Uneven tire wear over time
Worn struts/shocks or strut mounts
Struts & shocks control bounce. Strut mounts (especially) can clunk when the bearing or rubber fails.
Clues:
Clunk paired with extra bouncing
Noise on bumps & sometimes during steering input
Front end may feel “floaty” at highway speeds
Loose brake hardware or caliper movement
Sometimes a clunk is actually brake components shifting slightly when you hit a bump or change direction.
Clues:
Clunk happens right as you tap the brakes or release them
Noise may feel like it’s right at one wheel
Often appears after brake work if hardware is worn or missing
Engine or transmission mounts (can mimic suspension clunks)
Worn mounts allow driveline movement that can sound like a suspension clunk—especially over bumps combined with acceleration.
Clues:
Clunk when shifting into Drive/Reverse
Thud during acceleration or braking transitions
Vibration may increase at idle
Loose steering components (tie rods, rack mounts, etc.)
Any looseness in steering parts can create noise & feel sketchy, because the wheels aren’t being held firmly in the intended path.
Clues:
Clunk plus steering looseness
Wandering on the highway
Uneven tire wear
How To Fix It?
The fix depends on pinpointing the exact source. The smart move is to diagnose first, because several different parts can clunk in similar ways.
How To Fix It? A Practical Diagnostic Path
Reproduce the noise consistentlyNote whether it happens on small bumps, big dips, braking, turning, or only at certain speeds.
Confirm front vs. rearFront clunks are often sway links, ball joints, control arms, struts, or steering. Rear clunks can be sway links, shocks, bushings, or exhaust/mount contact.
Inspect for play & torn bushingsA proper inspection checks:
Joint looseness (ball joints, tie rods)
Bushing cracks/separation (control arms, sway bar)
Mount wear (strut mounts, shock mounts)
Loose hardware (brakes, subframe fasteners where applicable)
Check for secondary effectsSuspension wear often shows up as:
Uneven tire wear
Steering wheel off-center
Pulling or instability
Vibration at speed
Repair the worn components, then verifyAfter the fix, the vehicle should be road-tested over the same bumps to confirm the clunk is gone & handling is stable.
Why Act Now?
A clunk is often the early stage of a part that’s loosening up. Waiting can turn a simple repair into a chain reaction.
Delaying can lead to:
Faster tire wear (expensive & annoying)
Poor handling in rain or emergency maneuvers
Steering instability that worsens gradually until it’s obvious (and riskier)
Additional component damage (loose parts stress nearby parts)
If you’re hearing Why Is My Car Making A Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps? more frequently, louder, or paired with steering looseness, it’s time to get it checked before it escalates.
Schedule a Suspension Inspection at Round Rock Auto Center
If you’re dealing with Why Is My Car Making A Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps?, Round Rock Auto Center can inspect the suspension & steering system, identify exactly what’s loose or worn, & get your vehicle riding quiet & stable again.
Schedule here: https://www.roundrockautocenter.com
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