A clunking noise when going over bumps usually comes from a worn suspension or steering part that has developed play: sway bar end links and bushings are the most common, followed by worn strut mounts and shocks, ball joints, control arm bushings and tie rod ends. Loose exhaust hangers, heat shields and loose brake caliper bolts can also clunk.
Common sources
| Part | Clues |
|---|---|
| Sway bar end links and bushings | Light clunk or rattle over small bumps at low speed |
| Strut mounts and shocks | Clunk over bumps and when turning the wheel while parked; bouncy ride |
| Ball joints | Clunk over bumps and when braking; uneven tire wear |
| Control arm bushings | Clunk when braking or accelerating, vague steering |
| Tie rod ends | Clunk with steering play; see loose steering |
| Exhaust and heat shields | Metallic rattle that follows engine movement |
Front vs rear
Most clunks come from the front, where steering and suspension parts carry more load. Rear clunks on trucks often come from shock mounts, leaf spring shackles and bushings, sway bar links, or a loose spare tire or load in the bed.
Clunking over bumps and when turning
A clunk when turning and going over bumps points to strut mounts, ball joints or tie rod ends, which all move as the wheels steer. On trucks with solid front axles, a worn track bar can cause clunks and a shimmy; see death wobble.
How to find it
- With the car parked, have someone rock the steering wheel while you listen and watch the tie rods and steering box; see steering box symptoms.
- Grab each sway bar link and try to move it.
- Lift the wheel off the ground and check for play at the top and bottom (ball joints, bearings) and at the sides (tie rods).
- Look for torn bushings and leaking shocks.
- Tap the exhaust and heat shields to see if anything rattles.
Clunks after a lift or lowering
Changing ride height changes suspension angles. After a lift or drop, sway bar links that are now too short or too long, bushings under preload, or parts tightened while the suspension hung at full droop can all clunk. Bushings should be torqued with the vehicle at ride height.
Is it safe to drive?
An end link clunk is mostly a nuisance, but worn ball joints and tie rod ends can separate and cause loss of steering. Have any clunk diagnosed soon.
Upgrading while you repair
If the suspension is worn out and you are replacing several parts, it can be a good time to consider coilovers or springs; see what are coilovers? and coilovers vs lowering springs. Noise from a wheel that hums or growls with speed is more likely a bearing; see wheel bearing noise.
More guides: clicking noise when turning · CV axle problems.
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