1. Worn Strut Mounts: The strut mounts, also known as bearing plates, connect the struts to the car's body. Over time, these mounts can wear out, become loose, or even detach, leading to knocking or clunking noises when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
2. Faulty Strut Bearings: Inside the strut assembly, there are bearings that allow the strut to rotate smoothly. If these bearings wear out or become damaged, they can cause clunking or grinding noises when you turn the steering wheel or drive over irregularities.
3. Damaged Strut Piston: The strut piston is the main hydraulic component of the strut assembly. If the piston seal fails or the piston rod develops excessive wear, it can create knocking or rattling sounds, especially over bumps or when traveling at low speeds.
4. Loose Strut Bolts: If the bolts connecting the strut assembly to the suspension system become loose or improperly tightened, the strut can move around, causing clunking or banging noises when the suspension is compressed or extended.
5. Worn Control Arm Bushings: Control arm bushings help isolate vibrations and allow smooth suspension movement. Worn bushings can lead to loose noise transmission to the car's interior, causing knocking or rattling sounds from the front end.
It's recommended to thoroughly inspect the front end suspension system, including the struts, mounts, bearings, and related components, to identify the exact source of the loose noise. In some cases, replacing worn or damaged parts might be necessary to eliminate the noise and ensure proper suspension functioning. Consulting with a trusted mechanic or suspension specialist to diagnose and repair the issue is advisable.
