Why does my car make a creaking sound when I go over bumps?

Creaking over bumps is usually a sign of worn or dry suspension components, most often involving bushings, sway-bar links, or strut mounts. It can also stem from loose hardware or damaged springs. While not always dangerous, it should be checked to prevent further wear or handling issues.

Understanding the sound helps you decide whether you can address it yourself or should seek a professional inspection. Suspension systems rely on rubber or polyurethane components to cushion and guide movement; as these parts age or wear, they can begin to rub, creak, or clunk when the wheel travels over irregular pavement. The exact source may lie in the steering, control arms, or the chassis mounts, so a careful diagnosis is key.

Common causes of creaking over bumps

Below are the most frequent culprits you might inspect first when you hear a creak on bumps.

• Worn or dry suspension bushings (such as control arm bushings or sway bar bushings) that allow metal-to-rubber contact


• Damaged or worn sway-bar end links, which connect the sway bar to the suspension


• Worn or leaking shocks/struts and worn or cracked top mounts or mounts with excessive play


• Loose or worn ball joints or tie-rod ends, which can transmit motion noise through the steering


• Sprung components rubbing on their seats or worn coil spring insulators

These items are common across many cars and can produce a quiet creak or a noticeable squeak as the suspension cycles over bumps. Addressing them often involves lubrication, tightening, or component replacement, depending on the wear level.

Diagnostics and quick checks you can perform at home

To narrow down the source without professional tools, you can perform a few basic checks. This helps determine whether a DIY approach is feasible or if you should book a shop visit.

• Bounce test: With the car stationary, press down on each corner firmly and release to feel for abnormal bouncing or noises as the suspension settles.


• Inspect visible components: look under the wheel wells for torn or cracked bushings, rubber boots, or leaking shocks/struts; check for rust or damaged sway-bar links.


• Check sway-bar links and bushings: with the car on ground or safely raised, move the links by hand to feel for looseness or play; inspect rubber bushings for cracks.


• Inspect strut mounts and shock absorbers: look for oil staining along the shock body, torn dust boots, or cracked/moving top mounts.


• Look for loose hardware: wobble or missing bolts on control arms, subframe mounts, or sway-bar attachments can produce creaks that worsen with mileage and vibration.

If you find obvious damage, excessive play, or fluid leaks, or if the noise persists after tightening loose parts, it’s wise to escalate to a professional inspection. A shop can safely lift the vehicle and check components that are not easily inspected from ground level.

When to see a mechanic

Certain noises warrant prompt professional evaluation to maintain safety and road manners. Seek help if you notice any of the following alongside the creak or as it evolves over time:

• Grinding, clunking, or a rough feeling in steering, not just a squeak


• Persistent creaking after tightening or replacing suspected bushings or links


• Visible leaks around shocks/struts or obvious wear on suspension mounts


• Uneven tire wear or drifting/pulling that accompanies the noise


• Vehicle safety recalls or a high mileage, aging suspension system

A technician can perform a thorough inspection, safely load-test the suspension, and identify worn parts that may not be visible from the outside. Timely replacement can prevent further damage and preserve handling performance.

Summary

In most cases, a creak over bumps points to aging or worn suspension components—especially bushings, sway-bar links, and strut mounts—and can also result from loose hardware or damaged springs. Start with a basic home check to spot obvious wear or looseness, then seek professional assessment if the noise persists, worsens, or affects handling. Regular maintenance and timely part replacement help keep ride quality and safety intact.

What does failing suspension sound like?

A Rattling Sound
Another common sound of suspension problems is a rattling noise. You may often hear this sound when you hit a bump or pothole. Usually, you can attribute it to a loose or damaged part within your suspension system.

How to fix creaking suspension?

To fix a squeaky suspension, first try spraying dry silicone or rubber-safe lubricant on rubber components like bushings and ball joints to see if the noise stops. If lubrication doesn't work, the likely cause is worn-out parts, and you may need to replace bushings, shocks, struts, or control arms. For vehicles with older designs, you may need to manually grease grease nipples on components.
 
This video demonstrates how to lubricate a squeaky suspension part: 53sCar Repairs Made SimpleYouTube · May 30, 2023
Step 1: Lubricate the suspension components 

• Use the correct lubricant. Spray a silicone-based lubricant or a dry Teflon lube onto the rubber bushings, ball joints, and control arm joints. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40 or oil, as they can degrade rubber. 
• Apply liberally. Get the lubricant into all the nooks and crannies. For hard-to-reach spots, a spray with an extension straw can be helpful. 
• Check and re-apply. After spraying, bounce the car up and down or drive it to see if the squeak is gone. You may need to reapply the lubricant, especially after driving through water or if the initial fix is temporary. 

This video explains how to lubricate shock absorbers: 59sCar DIY RepairYouTube · Jun 23, 2023
Step 2: Check for other causes and tighten bolts 

• Tighten components. Make sure all mounting bolts are properly tightened. A loose bolt can cause noise and is a safety issue. 
• Clean the components. Dirt, grime, and debris can get trapped in suspension parts and cause noise. Clean the components and surrounding areas before lubricating them. 
• Inspect for worn parts. If lubrication doesn't help, examine the rubber parts for cracks, tearing, or signs of wear. Look at the shocks, struts, springs, and bushings. 

Step 3: Replace worn-out parts 

• Replace bushings. If rubber bushings are cracked or dry, they will need to be replaced. High-quality aftermarket bushings can be a good option. 
• Replace shocks and struts. If the shocks or struts are old, they may be a source of the squeak, especially if they have deteriorated rubber spring seats or worn-out mounts. 
• Consider a professional diagnosis. If you're unsure about the source of the noise or the complexity of the repair, a professional diagnosis from a mechanic is recommended to avoid further damage. 

Can you drive with a creaky suspension?

You're completely fine to drive it, the noise will just stay until you get it serviced but everything will be just fine until then!

Why does my car creak when I hit a bump?

Creaking noises over bumps or turns often stem from worn suspension bushings, dry ball joints, or loose sway bar links. Inspect rubber bushings for cracks or deterioration and lubricate or replace as needed. Check ball joints for play and apply grease if serviceable.