6 Causes of clunking noise from rear of car

The clunking noise on the rear car's suspension and wheels is related to the condition of the components, which started to wear out and hard so that they become oblique and no longer fasten to the frame.

Therefore, when the car passes through an uneven or bumpy road, the component can no longer dampen the vibration. Because the component is too damaged, it causes a thudding sound in the impacted part.

In addition, because the car suspensions types are very diverse, it also causes many differences in the position and components that cause the clunking noise.

This article will share information regarding car problems about the six common causes of clunking noise from the rear wheels of a car. Check out the info below.

1. Rear arm bushing is damaged/broken

Damaged/broken rear arm bushings are often the cause of the clunking noise on the car's rear wheels. The crack of the arm bushing causes the position of the suspension arm to become unstable and often collide with the fastening bolts. In effect, we will hear the clunking noise every time a car drives on a potholed or uneven road.

Because there are several types of rear suspension, ranging from the trailing arm type to the multi-link type. We may do the rear arm bushing inspection in several positions.

Pay attention to any suspension components that use bushing arms at the ends, such as the trailing, lower, or upper arm. The naming of this arm bushing depends on what suspension components it supports.

2. Unstable stabilizer joint and bushing

In addition to the damage of arm bushings, the clunking noise on the rear wheels can also cause by unstable stabilizer joint and bushing. The rear stabilizer has the same function as the front stabilizer. Generally, it uses ball joints and bushings for cushion and support.

When the joint bushing of the rear stabilizer is broken or wobbly, it often causes a clunking noise on the car's rear wheels.

3. Leaking rear shock absorber

A leaking shock absorber can also cause a clunking noise on the rear wheels of the car. We can feel the leak shock absorbers by slamming the car's rear suspension too soft and swinging when we drive.

In addition, this shock absorber also often loses its damper source in the form of liquid (oil shock) or the form of gas. When the shock absorber is weak, the components in the shock absorber will collide, often causing a clunking noise in the car's rear wheels.

4. Shock absorber top rubber is broken/damaged

The rubber stopper on the shock absorber that is broken/damaged can also cause the clunking noise in the car's rear wheels. This rubber stopper functions as a damper between the shock absorber and the body and frame of the car. This rubber stopper will also mute the strong vibrations from the wheels.

Over time and use, this rubber stopper will harden and break. As a result, the upper rod of the shock absorber will directly hit the frame or body of the vehicle, causing a clunking noise when passing through an uneven and bumpy road.

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5. The rear shock absorber rubber bushing is broken/damaged

In addition to the rubber stopper, the shock absorber also has a rubber bushing at the bottom. This rubber serves to dampen vibrations that occur from the wheels to the shock absorber body. Generally, there is an iron sleeve in the middle of this rubber as a place for shock fastening bolts.

The shock absorber will easily bulge and hit the fastening bracket when the rubber bushing is cracked, broken, or oblique. It is also often the cause of the appearance of a clunking noise on the car's rear wheels.

6. The suspension and chassis bolts are loose or missing

In addition to component damage, a loose or missing suspension fixing bolt or chassis of the car's rear wheels will also cause clunking noise. Therefore, re-examine the tightness of the suspension bolts and chassis, especially those close to the noise source.