Is your car making clunking noises and you are not sure what is going on? Click on each section to learn more.
If you would like expert help to diagnose and fix the problem, contact the trusted and experienced auto repair mechanics at Hansma Automotive.
Is Your Car making clunking noises? Contant Hansma for help
1. Possible Causes Of Your Car Making Clunking Noises
There are many different things that could be causing your car to make clunking noises, these include:
Engine:
Your engine is made up of lots of moving parts that make a variety of noises. If you hear a noise that you don't normally hear, then you need to pay attention. There are several different things that could cause your car to make a clunking noise, these include:
A buildup of carbon in the combustion chambers or cylinder walls
Combustion timing that is out of sync
Your engine is overheating
Backpressure coming from your exhaust
Vacuum leaks
Low-Octane or Low-Quality Fuel
Wrong or faulty spark plugs
Failing knock sensors
If your engine is making a different sound, don’t ignore it
Transmission:
If you have an automatic transmission and your transmission fluid is low or if it is too old, it could start making a clunking noise. This is because there isn't enough lubrication and cooling for the different parts of your transmission. It could also mean that your transmission is failing.
If you have a manual transmission then the clunking noise could be the result of a worn clutch, abnormal gear shifting, or damaged gear synchronizers.
Tires:
Tires that are worn or damaged can also make strange noises while you are driving. A tire is considered to be worn out if its tread depth is 2/32 of an inch or less.
Many brands of tires have a tread-wear indicator which is a small bar located on the tread. When your tread has worn down to this bar, it is time to replace them.
Worn tires need to be replaced
Shock Absorbers:
Shock absorbers are an important part of your vehicle's suspension system. When they are functioning well they add comfort to your ride, help to control the movement of your vehicle and improve your handling.
They do this by dissipating the energy produced in your car's springs when you go over a bump and ensuring that your tires stop bouncing and stay on the road. If your shocks are wearing out, then your car could start making clunking noises.
Ball joints:
Ball joints are an important part of your vehicle’s front suspension. Ball joints have a similar design to your hip joint as they too have a ball and socket. Their easy-moving design gives a smooth pivoting motion to your front suspension that helps you precisely steer your vehicle.
If your ball joints wear out they can not only make a clunking noise, but they can become a real safety issue. If you have a ball joint failure, your wheel could become separated from your suspension which means you will totally lose control of your vehicle.
If your ball joints go, you can lose control of your vehicle
2. How To Diagnose A Car Making Clunking Noises
Go through the following steps to help you determine what might be the cause of your car making clunking noises.
Step 1: Determine Where The Noise Is Coming From
If you can figure out the general area where the clunking noise is coming from, then you will have a better chance of determining what the problem is. Open your windows and listen to see if the noise is coming from the front, back, left, or right side.
Step 2: Pull Over And Keep The Engine Running
If the clunking continues while you are not moving then the problem is probably with the engine or the transmission. If so, you should get it repaired immediately by a mechanic you can trust. The repair can cost between $1,200 and $5,000 or more, but if you don't get it fixed, it may ruin your engine.
Is your car making clunking noises when you stop driving? It could be your transmission
Step 3: Test Driving At Various Speeds
If the sound only happens at a specific speed then try driving at that speed in a different gear. If the sound stops then the problem may be in your transmission.
Today's transmissions are very high-tech, so if you think you are having a transmission problem, it's best to take your vehicle to a certified professional to fix it for you.
Transmission repairs can range from a simple inexpensive fix to a very expensive repair, especially if it needs to be replaced. For more information on transmission repair, click here.
Here is an entertaining video that will give you an idea about the sounds your car may make if you are having a transmission problem.
Listen to some common transmission noises
Step 4: Inspect Your Tires
Your tires can also cause thumping noises. According to yourepair.com, you should look at your tires to see if there are any cup-shaped wear patterns that look like some of the tire has been scooped out with a spoon.
If there are, then this could mean that you have worn shocks or springs which you will need to have replaced. Worn shocks will prevent your tires from moving smoothly and they will begin to bounce slightly. This bouncing will cause uneven pressure on your tires which in turn leads to tire cupping. Learn more about shocks here.
Step 5: Drive Over a Bump
If you hear a light to moderate 'clunk' or 'pop' sound when you are going over bumps, then your shock absorbers may be wearing out.
According to thechronicleherald.ca, you should get your shock absorbers fixed as your steering and brake systems will become less effective, increasing the possibility of a collision.
If you think you are up to replacing your shocks, here is a helpful video to get you started. If not, you can get a professional to do it for you.
If you aren’t mechanically inclined, get your shocks replaced by a professional
If the sound is more of a sharp popping or clanging sound that is accompanied by a banging that you can feel on the floor of the car, then it may be your ball joints.
Don't hesitate to fix your ball joints, have them replaced by a professional or watch the following video if you want to learn how to do it yourself.
If your ball joints are worn, they will need to be replaced
3. What to do if the problem persists?
If your vehicle is still making that annoying clunking noise, and you aren't sure what it is, you should get it looked at. Leaving it could end up costing you more money than if you did a repair as soon as the problem occurred.
For automotive repairs and service in the Kitchener region, contact the team at Hansma Automotive. At Hansma, we've built a solid reputation for being honest, trustworthy, and reliable.
That's why our customers keep coming back. They never feel pressured and they always feel respected and well treated. Click here to make an appointment today.
More Reasons to Choose Hansma
Over 33 Years of Service: We've been serving the Waterloo region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you'll be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for the best tire change Kitchener has to offer or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Address:
88 Shoemaker St. Kitchener, ON N2E 3G4
Phone:
519-748-5533
"Best mechanical service I have ever received. They always work within my budget and help me prioritize my car repairs. I value their honesty and their commitment to their customers is fabulous". - Lee-Ann, 07/13/2017
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