The most prevalent cause of clunking noises are problems with your suspension/steering components. But where does this originate?
This can be a result of different components not performing as designed. One of these components is a strut and/or shock. What is a strut or shock? Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. Struts will have mounts, boots and bump stops within the complete strut. They are located behind the front tires most of the time. A Shock Absorber is a part designed to keep your tires on the road and keeps vehicle from bouncing. Vehicles can have a strut and a shock on the same vehicle. You will find many cars and trucks with Struts on the Front Axle and Shocks on the Rear Axle. Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster.
Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time. This can also put stress on other suspension/steering components because they are no longer getting support from the struts/shocks and ultimately be an extremely expensive repair. It is crucial that you get your vehicle suspension checked regularly to avoid loss of handling and control. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn. Your vehicle can also nosedive coming to a complete stop and causing the brakes to wear out faster. You may feel out of control when hit by a cross wind. It can also lose their ability to control the rate of weight transfer when going around corners.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms plan a visit with us and we will be happy to perform a visual inspection, save you thousands, and ultimately keep you safe on the road.