Loud thumping noises are often due to heavy metal components that come into contact with each other. But this should not happen especially when the car is running.
The thumping noise indicates that something is not working properly or something may have broken or about to do so. So it is time to find out what’s the reason for thumping sound when driving.
To get your vehicle back to its original condition without any noise coming from it, first, you have to pinpoint the problem. Here, you will get to know the reasons for the thumping noise and how to solve the problem:
Thumping Noises in Vehicle
The thumping noises are hard to miss as the sound will be unique. Usually, they come as repetitive sounds which can become very intense if the vehicle speeds up or if the condition of the road is poor. You can notice this sound when breaking, accelerating or even while driving at a steady phase.
The thumping sound is an important indicator of the health of your vehicle, and it is an early warning of any potential issues. Ignoring this problem may lead to compromise in the performance and safety of your vehicle.
Common Reasons for Thumping Noise
It is important to understand the common reasons for the thumping noises and solve the issue as soon as possible. Here are some reasons for thumping noise:
Worn tires
If your vehicle has uneven worn tires, then it may result in thumping noise. This may most often be caused by the misalignment of wheels. So, it is important to keep your tires at the right pressure and tread level, and this will ensure safety as well as fuel economy.
In the main tread grooves place a twenty-pence piece and test the treads of the tires. Your thread is in its legal limit, if the outer band of the coin is not visible. But, if the outer band is visible then your tires are too worn and it should be replaced immediately.
Warped brake rotors
Warped break doors could be the reason for the thumping sound coming from the car’s front wheels. They work along with brake pads and calipers to slow down the movement of vehicles.
A lot of friction is generated by breaking, and this causes the rotor surface to become uneven. Warped brake rotors may be considerably less effective in allowing the brake to work quickly.
Steering and suspension
The suspension system, which consists of struts and shock absorbers, is essential to the stability and ride quality of the vehicle. When driving over uneven or bumpy terrain, a thumping sound may be produced by worn-out or damaged suspension parts. Moreover, such sounds may also be caused by issues with steering parts like ball joints or tie rod ends.
Issues with the exhaust system and undercarriage
Thumping noises in a vehicle can be caused by loose parts in the exhaust system or undercarriage. These components may loosen or sustain damage over time, allowing them to thump or rattle against other automotive components.
Engine
An improper fuel mixture could be the cause of an engine banging. The audible thumping sounds might be produced from multiple ignition locations caused by an improper mixture of fuel and air. However, it can be a result of worn-out or loose rod bearings, issues with the timing belt, or an anticipated engine seizure.
Deteriorated control arm bushes
The control arm is held in place by bushings. Over time, they may wear down and loosen the arm, which will make a thumping sound when traveling slowly or over uneven terrain.
Transmission mount or starter motor
When you accelerate, if your vehicle makes a thumping sound on the front, it’s most likely the result of an issue with the mount for your transmission or starting motor.
Transmission mounts are small, yet they make a big difference in your drive’s overall quality and performance. Transition mounts are vulnerable to oxidation and impact damage, among other factors.
Diagnosing the Thumping Sound Problem
Accurate diagnosis is essential to address the thumping noises. Here are the ways you can pinpoint the issue:
Inspect suspension components:
Visually check the struts, shock absorbers, and springs for any signs of wear or damage. Listen to the noises carefully when pushing down on the corners of the vehicle.
Check tires:
Look for any uneven bulges, wear or low tread depth. Try to rotate each wheel by hand and listen for any thumping noises to identify the alignment issues or imbalance.
Undercarriage and exhaust system:
Raise the vehicle safely and inspect the exhaust system and undercarriage for any damaged or loose components.
Inspect brake:
Carefully look at the rotors and brake pads for any uneven wear and tear or damage. By simple visual inspection, you can identify the warped rotors.
Solutions for Thumping Issue
After completing the diagnosis process, now you can process to find the appropriate solutions to the problems:
Steering and suspension fixes:
If you find any worn-out or damaged component, try to replace it. Doing regular service can prevent the development of such issues.
Tire issues:
Make sure that the tires are inflated properly according to the specifications mentioned by the manufacturers. The tires may need replacement if they are worn unevenly. The issue can be rectified if wheel balancing and alignment were done by the professionals.
Securing undercarriage and exhaust system:
If there are any loose components in the undercarriage or exhaust system, then tighten the loose. The parts that are damaged should be replaced or repaired.
Brake system repairs:
If you find any problem with the brakes, then resurfacing the rotors or replacing the pads can often resolve the issue. If the damage is huge, then a complete replacement may be necessary.
How safe is it to drive with a thumping noise?
Most often safety depends on the problem. However, is the risk justified? Your engine, the safety of your passengers, and your finances are all at risk if you don’t know exactly what or where the noises are coming from and what’s causing them. So it is wise to solve the issue as soon as possible.
Preventative Measures
Here are some precautions you can take to reduce the chances of thumping noises and guarantee the longevity of your car:
Tire maintenance
Do regular check and adjust the tire pressure, and rotate and balance the tire according to the manufacturer’s schedule. This process helps in even wear and improves the life of the tires.
Check suspensions
Periodically check the suspension system, especially if you travel on rough roads. From early detection of wear and tear, you can stop the issue from becoming bigger and save money.
Routine inspection
Regular inspection of the undercarriage along with the exhaust system during the maintenance process can help in catching any damaged parts before the problem becomes big.
Final thoughts
If the vehicle succumbs to wear and tear, a thumping sound when driving can become a common issue. The reason for it may be many, including old suspension components, wheel nuts, or brakes.
If you would like to do repairs on your vehicle, then you can spend some time rectifying the issue of the thumping sound. But if fixing things is not your strong point, it is better to drive your vehicle to a reputable repair shop and rectify the issue.
