If your car makes a knocking noise in the front end, you could have bad struts. The good news is that you can easily repair them yourself. Here are some causes, symptoms, and repair tips. Keep reading! Listed below are some reasons why your struts might be bad. If you hear a knocking noise in the front end, it is most likely your struts.
Symptoms
If your car is making thumping or knocking noises, your struts are probably in need of replacement. They also cause your car’s front or rear end to bottom out, causing you to feel like you’re driving on air. Worn struts also cause your car to have too much body roll during turns, which can reduce your steering ability and decrease the vehicle’s handling capabilities.
Another sign that your struts are in need of replacement is the squeaky steering wheel. You’ll notice this when you hit irregularities in the road. You may also hear a hollow clinking noise when you turn the steering wheel. You may also notice uneven tire wear, and your steering wheel becomes difficult to turn. If you hear these noises and can’t pinpoint where the problem is, it’s time to get a replacement.
Causes
Bad struts can make your car shake or bounce, making it difficult to drive smoothly. Even if the struts themselves are intact, there is always a chance that the bushings in them are bad. In such cases, it is best to visit a mechanic. If you’re not sure whether your car’s struts are causing the noise, you should do a road test to make sure.
The most common cause of clunking noises over bumps is the mountings. Some mountings are too loose when hanging and may be the cause. If you’re unable to find the cause, consider a complete replacement. A bad strut mount costs about $100. The noise will increase as the internal components wear out. A professional will be able to determine whether you need to replace your struts.
Diagnosis
If you hear banging, rattling, or clunking noises from your car, it may be time to replace your struts. These parts are responsible for dampening the unwanted motion of your vehicle as it travels over bumps. A faulty strut can also lead to premature tire wear and transmission or axel damage. To diagnose bad struts, look for loose or damaged bushings or links.
Another symptom of bad struts is a floating front end. This is an annoying noise that is particularly noticeable at high speeds, and can cause trouble for other drivers. If you notice this issue, consult a mechanic to find the cause of your car’s flopping and make the repairs. While uneven tire wear isn’t a common symptom of bad struts, it may be a sign that your coil spring broke, which could cause the wheel alignment to move.
Repair
Whether your car makes a knocking noise or tilts, it could be your struts. A broken strut can lead to an unpleasant banging noise, particularly when the car is traveling at highway speeds. Unfortunately, a faulty strut will need to be replaced in pairs, doubling the repair cost. Your mechanic will try to sell you a set of new struts, but don’t do so.
Another sign of a broken strut is an uneven tire tread. A damaged strut will lead to abnormal tire wear and may even cause your car’s alignment to be thrown off. A broken strut may also cause steering to pull or wander. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a qualified mechanic for immediate repair. If you’ve noticed a clunky ride or unusual tire wear, you may need to replace the struts.
