If you hear the clunking noise from rear of car while driving, then your car is having problems. One or several parts of your vehicle may be worn out or damaged.
What are the causes of this strange noise? How to handle it? Keep scrolling for more useful details.
What Causes Clunking Noise From Rear Of Car?
Damaged or worn-out parts such as ball sockets, shocks, brake calipers, steering pumps, or rear differential are common causes of the clunking sound. Besides, loose sway bar links, bushings, or engines under heavy load are also sources of this noise.
Worn Out Suspension Components (Ball Sockets, Shocks) & Brake Calipers
Worn-out rear suspension components such as ball sockets or shocks are the most common cause of clunking noise in rear of car. After a long operation, they will be damaged and run down.
The reason for damaged shocks is usually the car’s regular performance on bumpy and rough roads, enduring many strains.
The rattle sound will be obvious when you scale the pumps or drive on uneven roads.
In addition, brake calipers and pedals that are not regularly lubricated and worn out brake pads will cause a rattling noise from the car’s rear and the brake pedal squeaking noise.
Loose Sway Bar Bushings & End Links
These are 2 components that help connect other parts of the suspension system. They will loosen when cars make sharp turns or go on bumpy roads.
More seriously, they can tear, rust, and wear out, causing a clunking noise from rear of car when turning.
A common reason for their damage is unevenly worn-out tires. It will cause the vehicle to lose balance, causing the engine and suspension to work at a higher capacity than usual.
You may have to replace them if you hear the clunking in rear of car.
Bad Rear Differential
You will hear the howling noise and loud clunking noise when driving slow rear end when the rear differential is not working properly, which is usually caused by over-driving.
Grinding gears is one of the signs that the differential is in trouble. You may see the shifter move but don’t change gears in this case.
Besides, the intensity of the vibrations will also increase when you increase the speed. The rear wheels may lock suddenly, causing danger at this moment.
Engine Under A Heavy Load
The clunking sound from rear of car comes from the car’s engine being under a heavy load as well. One of the typical examples is when the car is going uphill.
When the engine runs at high power, the connecting rods move faster than usual and make a clear knocking sound. These sounds will become even louder if the connecting rods are broken.
If the oil pressure is lower than normal, you will also notice a clicking sound when the car is in one place in an idling state.
Malfunctioning Steering Pump
Power steering is designed to help the car turn easily. However, after a period of operation, the pump or steering wheel has worn out due to too much friction.
When you steer lightly and hear the steering wheel rattling under the car, it is caused by worn or loose steering bearings.
If you turn the steering wheel all the way to one side and hear an annoying clunking sound in rear of car, accompanied by heavy power steering or abnormal steering response, maybe the power steering oil level is too low, or the power steering pump is damaged.
How To Handle The Clunking Noise From Rear Of Car?
Fix Suspension Components
To pinpoint the part at issue, start the engine and ask a friend to help you open the hood and push the bumper or fender down.
Press and release it continuously while the engine is on, then listen carefully to detect the position that the noise is coming from.
When you find loose parts, re-tighten them. If you can’t pinpoint which part is the problem, tap each area with a screwdriver or broom.
Once the rattling is detected, use a flashlight on the spot and begin to repair the damaged part.
Replace Damaged Parts
Should you find parts that are severely damaged, worn, or rusted, it is best to replace them. It not only helps your car to operate more smoothly but also ensures safety while driving.
Replacing damaged parts such as ball sockets, strut shocks, brake calipers, or rear differential is a rather complicated process.
You will need a flashlight, floor jack stands, a long pry bar, big channel lock pliers, and wheel immobilizers & chocks.
First, remove all the objects from the car’s undercarriage and then use the floor jack to raise the car.
Use wheel chocks to block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling automatically during repairs. Open the undercarriage, remove the damaged part, and replace it with a new one.
If you do not have enough tools to replace shocks or other parts, ask the car mechanic or bring the car to the auto repair shop or car dealership.
FAQs
Is It Safe To Drive A Car With A Clunking Noise?
No. It will be best not to continue driving when you detect any problems, including clunking from the rear.
It is quite dangerous because potential risks await you and may cause unexpected accidents at any time.
Thus, stop driving and check what’s wrong with your car. If you are unsure, call the auto repair service and have them solve it to avoid further damage.
How To Diagnose Broken Suspension Components?
First, you need to start the car and rotate the wheel to the right and left, respectively. It will detect whether the bearing plates are having problems.
Next, drive and corner several times in a certain direction. If any suspension components are loose or worn, they will click.
Alternatively, you can try walking on bumpy roads to make it easier to spot the rear end clunking noise.
Conclusion
Overall, the clunking noise from rear of car while driving can originate from worn or worn ball sockets, shocks, or brake systems.
Furthermore, loose parts or motors subjected to heavy loads also cause rattling noises. We hope you found useful information in our post. See you soon!