Clunking Over Bumps
Schedule a Visit — Urgency 3/5You can drive, but take bumps and potholes slowly. If the clunking is accompanied by the car feeling loose, wallowing, or pulling to one side, get it checked sooner. Avoid carrying heavy loads until it is sorted. This is general information — have a professional inspect your suspension.
This is general guidance. Your situation may differ — when in doubt, don’t drive.
What does it sound like?
A solid clunk or thud from the front or rear of the car when you go over a bump, pothole, or speed hump. It might be a single clunk per bump, or a series of rattling clunks on rough roads.
What could be causing it?
It can also be a worn shock absorber (damper) that is no longer controlling the spring properly, or in some cases, a loose exhaust heat shield or other component under the car.
What should I do right now?
Book a suspension check with your mechanic within the next couple of weeks. These components are relatively inexpensive to replace but can affect your handling and tire wear if left too long. A mechanic can put the car on a ramp and quickly identify the worn part.