What does a failing strut sound like?
As a car owner, you rely on your vehicle's suspension system to provide a smooth and safe ride. Struts, a key component of this system, play a vital role in absorbing shocks and maintaining stability. However, when a strut begins to fail, it can produce distinct sounds that serve as warning signs. In this article, we’ll explore the noises associated with a failing strut and what they mean for your vehicle.
Common Sounds of a Failing Strut
When a strut starts to fail, it often produces unusual noises that can alert you to the problem. Here are the most common sounds to listen for:
- Clunking or Knocking: This is the most common sound associated with a failing strut. You may hear a clunking or knocking noise when driving over bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces. This sound typically indicates that the internal components of the strut, such as the piston or mount, are worn or damaged.
- Squeaking or Creaking: A squeaking or creaking noise, especially when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps, can signal that the strut's bushings or mounts are deteriorating. This is often caused by wear and tear or a lack of lubrication.
- Rattling: If you hear a rattling noise coming from the suspension area, it could mean that the strut is loose or that its mounting hardware is failing. This can compromise the stability of your vehicle.
Why Do Failing Struts Make Noise?
Struts are designed to absorb shocks and vibrations while keeping your tires in contact with the road. Over time, the components within the strut, such as the coil spring, piston, and hydraulic fluid, can wear out or become damaged. When this happens, the strut loses its ability to function properly, leading to the noises described above. These sounds are often a result of:
- Metal components coming into contact due to worn-out bushings or mounts.
- Loose or broken parts within the strut assembly.
- Insufficient lubrication causing friction between moving parts.
What Should You Do If You Hear These Noises?
If you suspect that your struts are failing, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage to your vehicle and ensure your safety. Here’s what you should do:
- Inspect the Suspension: Look for visible signs of damage, such as leaking fluid around the strut or uneven tire wear.
- Test the Bounce: Push down firmly on the hood or trunk of your car. If the vehicle bounces excessively, it could indicate a problem with the struts.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: Bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for a thorough inspection and repair. A professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Why Timely Repairs Are Crucial
Driving with failing struts can lead to a host of problems, including reduced handling, increased stopping distance, and uneven tire wear. In severe cases, it can even compromise your safety by making your vehicle more difficult to control. Addressing the issue early can save you money on repairs and ensure a smoother, safer ride.
Conclusion
Recognizing the sounds of a failing strut is the first step in maintaining your vehicle’s suspension system. If you hear clunking, squeaking, or rattling noises, don’t ignore them. At Kevin’s Autos, we have years of experience diagnosing and repairing suspension issues. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your car running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a noisy strut?
when you hit bumps, then you can drive on it until you get tired of dealing with it. However, if your strut is bad enough to effect the drivability of your car, you are putting other people at risk, and should not be operating the vehicle until it is repaired.
How long can I drive with a bad strut?
Can I drive with a damaged strut? No. It needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
How long can you ride on bad struts?
Can I drive with a damaged strut? No. It needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
What are the three common suspension noises?
Common suspension-related noises include clunking, squeaking, rattling, or knocking sounds. Try to identify when the noise occurs, such as during acceleration, braking, or when going over bumps.
What kind of noise does a bad strut make?
Bad strut sounds are usually described as a hollow clunking or banging type of sound. You'll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road.
How much does it cost to get struts replaced?
between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
What does a worn top mount sound like?
If you hear strut mount noise [clunking or squeaking noise] over road bumps or while driving, you have a worn-out strut mount. The noise is caused by two or more system components colliding against one other due to a lack of strut insulation. This noise can also be heard when turning the steering wheel.
What does a broken strut spring sound like?
If your car has a broken coil spring, you'll likely hear clunking, squeaking, or creaking noises when driving over bumps or uneven ground. This misalignment alters your car's suspension angles, causing components to scrape or knock against each other.
Can you still drive with bad struts?
Once the wear starts hampering your vehicle's performance, your service provider will likely recommend replacing the worn part to restore your car's ride and handling. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability.
How do you know if your struts are bad?
When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.
