Clunking Noise Over Bumps: What Could Cause It?
Published 4 October 2026
A clunk or knock when driving over bumps often comes from suspension or steering movement, but the exact component cannot be identified reliably from the sound alone.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. RMS Bosch focuses on testing and inspection before significant repair work is recommended.
Common areas to inspect
Wear can develop gradually and may only become noticeable on uneven roads.
- Control-arm or anti-roll-bar bushes
- Ball joints
- Shock absorbers or strut mounts
- Steering joints
- Loose or worn mountings
Other signs of suspension wear
Uneven tyre wear, excessive bouncing, poor straight-line stability or steering play can provide additional clues.
Why early inspection helps
A worn suspension component can affect tyre life, wheel alignment and vehicle control. Finding the worn part early can prevent secondary wear.
What RMS checks
RMS Bosch inspects suspension and steering components and uses tyre-wear and handling clues to define the repair scope.
Need the Cause Confirmed?
Use the related RMS service page to choose the most relevant workshop in Durban, Umhlanga, Ballito, Richards Bay, Stanger or elsewhere in the RMS KZN network.