Suspension Clunk

What It Is

Suspension clunk is a broad category covering any metallic knocking or thudding sound that occurs when the suspension compresses or extends over road irregularities. The underlying cause is always a joint, bushing, or component with excessive play allowing metal-to-metal contact. Common sources include sway bar end links, strut mounts, ball joints, control arm bushings, and worn shock absorbers.

Symptoms

• • Single or double clunk when going over a speed bump, pothole, or rough surface
• • Clunk may also occur when braking hard as the suspension compresses
• • Sound is often louder on cold mornings when rubber bushings are stiffer
• • May be accompanied by a loose or vague steering feel
• • Clunk on acceleration or deceleration can indicate loose engine or transmission mounts
• • Vibration through the steering wheel when the clunk occurs

Sway bar link wear is common on all trucks including F-150 and Silverado; Toyota Camry strut mounts wear by 80,000–100,000 miles; F-150 ball joints are a documented wear item on high-mileage trucks.