What is the role of the suspension system?
The suspension is what links your car's wheels to the frame. It absorbs the shocks of the road, keeping you comfortable and in charge.
A typical suspension system consists of:
• Shock absorbers or struts – stabilise bouncing and keep tyres stable
• Springs – absorb shocks from uneven surfaces
• Control arms and bushings – connect the wheels to the chassis
• Ball joints and linkages – allow movement and steering flexibility
• Anti-roll (stabiliser) bars – reduce body roll during turns
When any of these parts wear out, loosen, or break, you’ll likely hear clunking, knocking, or rattling noises, especially over uneven surfaces.
What does a clunking noise mean?
A clunking noise from your car’s suspension indicates that a component is moving more than necessary. It may indicate that something is loose, worn out, or busted.
The clunk can be heard from the front or the rear of the car, depending on the affected part. It's usually more apparent when:
• Driving through potholes or bumps
• Cornering
• Braking or accelerating
Paying no heed to it may cause larger issues, such as dangerous handling or uneven tyre wear.
Common causes of clunking noises in the car suspension
Here are the most common reasons why your car’s suspension makes clunking noises, along with how to fix them.
1. Worn ball joints
Ball joints connect the suspension control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing the wheels to move up and down smoothly. Over time, these joints can wear out due to friction and lack of lubrication.
When worn, they create play in the suspension, causing clunking sounds when turning or hitting bumps.
Signs:
• Clunking noise from the front wheels
• Uneven tyre wear
• Vibration in the steering wheel
Fix:
Replace the worn ball joints. They are not repairable and must be replaced as a pair for balanced performance.
2. Damaged or worn shock absorbers
Shock absorbers (or struts) help control how your car bounces after hitting a bump. If they’re worn or leaking, the car will bounce excessively and may make clunking noises.
Signs:
• Oil leakage near shocks or struts
• Poor ride comfort
• Clunking sound when going over bumps
Fix:
Replace worn shock absorbers or struts. Always replace them in pairs (front or rear) to maintain balance.
3. Loose suspension bushings
Bushings are small rubber or polyurethane mounts that cushion the joints in your suspension. Over time, they wear out, crack, or harden, causing metal-to-metal contact — which creates a clunking or knocking sound.
Signs:
• Clunking when going over bumps or while braking
• Slight pulling to one side
• Vibration or loose steering feel
Fix:
Replace worn suspension bushings. In some cases, polyurethane bushings last longer than rubber ones.
4. Faulty control arms
Control arms connect the wheels to the car’s frame, helping to maintain proper alignment. If a control arm or its bushings are damaged, the suspension will move excessively, causing clunking sounds.
Fix:
Inspect the control arms for cracks, bends, or looseness. Replace damaged control arms and bushings as needed.
5. Broken coil springs
Coil springs support the car’s weight and absorb shocks from uneven roads. When a spring breaks or weakens, it can cause a loud clunk, especially when driving over bumps or turning.
Signs:
• Uneven ride height
• Car leaning to one side
• Loud noise when turning or braking
Fix:
Replace broken springs immediately. Driving with damaged springs is unsafe and can affect braking and stability.
6. Worn stabiliser bar (anti-roll bar) links
The stabiliser bar connects the suspension on both sides of the car, reducing body roll when turning. If the linkages or joints wear out, they can cause knocking or clunking noises.
Signs:
• Clunking sound when cornering
• Excessive body roll during turns
• Reduced stability on uneven roads
Fix:
Replace the worn stabiliser bar links. It’s a relatively simple and inexpensive repair.
7. Loose or damaged top mounts
The top mount connects the suspension strut to the car’s body. If it becomes loose or the rubber mount wears out, you’ll hear a clunk or knock when turning the steering or hitting bumps.
Fix:
Tighten or replace the top mount. This usually requires removing the strut assembly.
8. Faulty steering components
Sometimes the noise isn’t directly from the suspension, but rather from worn steering parts, such as tie rods or rack ends. These components affect how the wheels turn and can produce clunking sounds if loose.
Fix:
Inspect and replace worn steering tie rods or rack ends. A wheel alignment should be done after the repair.
9. Loose nuts, bolts, or mounting hardware
Sometimes, a simple loose bolt or nut on suspension or steering components can cause clunking noises. This can happen after servicing, hitting a pothole, or due to vibration over time.
Fix:
Inspect all mounting points and suspension bolts. Tighten them to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
10. Damaged wheel bearings
A worn or damaged wheel bearing can cause a rumbling or clunking noise when the vehicle is in motion. Though not technically part of the suspension, it’s closely related to wheel movement and stability.
Fix:
Replace worn wheel bearings immediately. Driving with bad bearings can lead to wheel failure.
How to check for suspension clunking at home
You can perform a few basic checks before visiting a mechanic:
1. Bounce test: Push down firmly on the bonnet or boot. If the car bounces more than twice, the shocks may be worn.
2. Visual inspection: Look for leaks around shock absorbers or broken springs.
3. Check for looseness: Wiggle each wheel (when parked) to feel for excessive play.
4. Drive slowly over bumps: Listen for where the sound comes from, front, rear, left, or right.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a qualified mechanic inspect it. Clunking sounds from your suspension shouldn’t be ignored. Our ACKO Drive service centres conduct detailed inspections to identify worn mounts, joints, or bushings. We replace faulty parts so your car runs smoothly and quietly again.
You can easily book a service slot at our ACKO Drive service centres online via the ACKO app or the ACKO Drive website. We offer free pick-up and drop-off service, a detailed diagnostic report, and use original parts for repairs. More importantly, you can track each step online, and there is complete transparency from repairing to invoicing.
Risks of ignoring suspension clunking noises
Driving with a clunking suspension may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to serious problems:
• Poor handling and reduced steering control
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear
• Damage to other suspension components
• Increased braking distance
• Higher repair costs if left unattended
Addressing the problem early ensures your car remains safe and comfortable to drive.
How to fix suspension clunking noises
The repair method depends on the cause of the issue. A qualified mechanic will:
1. Inspect all suspension parts (shocks, bushings, springs, and ball joints).
2. Check torque on all nuts and bolts.
3. Replace worn or broken components.
4. Perform a wheel alignment after repairs.
Never ignore or delay suspension repairs. Even small faults can affect vehicle stability and safety.
How to prevent suspension noises
Here are some simple habits that can prevent future suspension issues:
• Steer clear of potholes and bumpy roads whenever possible.
• Don't overburden your vehicle more than its weight capacity.
• Check suspension components at regular servicing intervals.
• Replace shocks and bushings immediately when they begin to wear out.
• Check the wheel alignment every 6 months or 5,000 km.
• Rinse under the car frequently to avoid rust accumulation.
Regular servicing goes a long way in keeping your car’s suspension quiet, smooth, and safe.
Final words
A clunking sound in your car's suspension indicates that something is wrong. Although it may begin as a slight sound, it could quickly become a safety concern if disregarded.
The majority of suspension clunks result from worn joints, bushings, or shock absorbers, all of which can be easily repaired if detected in time. Regular servicing, smooth driving, and prompt repairs will keep your car stable, quiet, and comfortable to ride in.
Frequently asked questions
