Car trouble · Steering & suspension

My car clunks over bumps

You hear a knock or clunk from the front or back when you hit bumps or potholes.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

Worn sway bar links
most likely · Doable with tools and a free afternoon
How to check: Drive slowly over a speed bump with one wheel at a time. A light clunk from one front corner is often a sway bar link, a short rod near each front wheel.
- Sway bar links (pair)(Tell the counter front or rear.)
Worn struts or shocks
possible · A mechanic’s job
How to check: Push down hard on each corner of the car and let go. If it bounces more than once or twice, or you see oil on the shock body, they are worn.
- Complete strut assemblies (pair)(A mechanic will usually need these for the axle that clunks.)
Worn ball joints or control arm bushings
possible · A mechanic’s job
How to check: A clunk when turning into driveways, or uneven wear on the inner edge of the front tires, point toward ball joints or bushings.

Be careful

Never get under a car held up only by a jack — set it on jack stands on flat, solid ground and chock the wheels that stay down.

Your car — the counter needs this

YearMakeModelEngine (optional)

VIN (optional, most exact)Which parts store (optional)

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My car pulls to one side My steering is hard to turn