Thumping Noise When Driving: 5+ Things You Need To Know

If you’ve been hearing a thumping noise when driving your vehicle, it can be a cause for concern. Not only can the noise be annoying, but it may also indicate a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly. 

There can be several reasons why your vehicle is making this noise, ranging from something as simple as a loose lug nut to more complex problems with the suspension or drivetrain. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the common causes of thumping noise when driving and what you can do to fix the problem.

Thumping Noise When Driving

Thumping Noise When Driving: The Very First Signs

Thumping noise when turning wheel or any movement of the vehicle is from deep causes. At this time, your car may experience 1 of 3 signs below:

Car makes sound when accelerating

When you notice a noise when accelerating, it is an indication that the transmission mount or starter motor has failed. At this point, you will hear the sound from the front of the car. Especially when accelerating thumping noise in front end will be much larger.

In addition, when the motor starts poorly, you will notice a rattling sound when turning the key. Otherwise, you won’t be able to start normally and the engine won’t be able to ignite. In this case, instead of trying to find the cause, you should seek the help of professional mechanics.

If you don’t stop and continue driving, you could cause the transmission mount to explode. At that time, a crackling sound like about to explode will appear in case you accelerate.

Car makes a thud sound when slowing down

Car makes a thud sound when slowing down

When you slow down and hear a thud, it’s most likely caused by a warped rotor. The reason is because you brake the car when decelerating will make the sound appear.

The brake disc is a metal part, it is located at the back of the wheel along with the caliper and brake pads. When it does, it will create friction to slow down the wheel when you brake. Over time, the friction will increase, which will cause the rotor to warp. It is the premise for thumping noise from rear wheel. 

In addition, other signs that cause cars to thud are due to reduced brake performance. Then you will spend more time stopping or slowing down. 

On the other hand, when you feel the steering wheel shake when braking, the thud sound will become much more annoying. It will sound quite similar to rubbing noise when turning at slow speeds.

Even if you see any of these signs, you should stop the car and get the help of a mechanic. They will assist you to check and replace the rotor in time.

Car crashes while driving

Car crashes while driving

When your car doesn’t shake when accelerating, it could be due to worn tires. At that time, the tire will make a strange sound, the belt is misaligned or worn unevenly. In this case, you need to check and locate the affected tire. It can come from both wheels of the car.

Therefore, it is best to check the tire pressure regularly. Continuing to drive with an over-worn tire consumes more fuel. At the same time, you will also encounter potential dangers when driving at high speeds.

Take the car to a car service center, the mechanic will assess the condition of the tread. If possible, you will need to replace the tires with new ones to ensure the car’s performance.

Thumping Noise When Driving: Main Causes

Here are the common causes for tires thumping sound while driving appear:

Tire problem

Worn tires are not the only cause of strange noises, so you need to have your tires checked as soon as you hear the sound coming from the wheels.

In addition, when your tire is new and has not experienced any damage, it may be due to the hard and durable steel belt, it will make noise when you move. This sound is completely normal and you don’t need to worry about it.

In addition, you should check your tire pressure and align your tires regularly. This will help you reduce pile driving noise levels when the tire is new and minimize excessive tire wear.

Worn struts and shocks

Worn struts and shocks

The suspension system includes shock absorbers and struts. In particular, the strut will be located on the front wheel and the shock absorber will be on the rear wheel of the car. 

When these parts fail and wear out over time, it will cause the car to vibrate, you will need to replace them.

Starter motor damaged

A faulty starter motor can cause strange noises when you start the vehicle or accelerate. Because the mount will connect directly to the chassis and engine to support vibration absorption. When this part fails, it will damage the bodywork and produce engine noise.

Other brake problems

Other brake problems

When the brake components fail, it will make a loud sound when you slow down. On the other hand, besides the rotor, some other parts are also at risk of failure. 

If the brake pads have a lot of wear, it will cause the metal parts inside the part to come into contact with the rotor, creating a loud rubbing sound. However, this problem will not be too serious, you can easily replace the new part.

Dpoor transmission

One of the other causes of Thumping Noise When Driving is poor transmission. To test, drive to quiet areas with flat roads. Then check if the sound output is correct with your car.

In case the sound still occurs, you need to check all vehicle fluids including power steering fluid and ATF. You should not fill with liquid, because it is not good for the car during travel.

Wheel bearing problems

Wheel bearings are one of the causes for humming noise in car getting louder with speed. When the wheel bearing is not working properly, it will emit strange and uneven sounds in bumpy road areas. Sometimes, the sound is very loud at bends, you will feel uncomfortable about this sound.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to help you detect wheel bearing problems is to use a wheel dial indicator light. When it exceeds 0.005, you need to replace this part immediately. Ask a mechanic for help.

Exhaust system problem

When you stop the car and detect a hissing sound in the exhaust. It is a sign that you have problems related to the exhaust system. 

In fact, the sound coming from the exhaust will be common. However, when this sound comes out at a high volume, you need to stop the car and check the exhaust system. Go to a repair shop and have it checked before the system releases harmful emissions into the environment.

CV joint is worn

The CV joint is responsible for ensuring stability between the wheel and the transmission when you drive. When this part fails, it will cause clicking and pounding sounds. At this point, take the car to the auto shop for assistance.

FAQs

Why does my car squeak when I stop?

If your car makes a squealing noise when it comes to a stop, it could be due to worn or faulty brake discs. The metal disc will help stop the car when you apply the foot brake.

Why is my UI shaking?

The front crash can come from the strut or joystick. Corrosion of struts will be very dangerous when you are driving at fast speeds. Because this part will help absorb shocks when you drive. Therefore, if you hear a noise, stop the vehicle and check for the noise.

Is it safe to drive with a knock on the door?

You should not drive when the noise is persistent for a long time. However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to drive. You can drive up to about 6 months with knocking sound. Instead of continuing to drive, you should stop with any noise coming from cars.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the article will help you better understand thumping noise when driving. There are many reasons why strange noises appear. At this point, you should stop the car and check the problem. Ask for the help of a professional for the most effective car noise repair support.

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