Strut Noise – Why Your Car Is Rattling and What to Do About It

Ever hear a clunk or rattling every time you hit a bump? Chances are the struts are the culprits. Struts are part of your suspension that control bounce and keep the wheel in line. When they start to whine, squeak, or thump, it’s a sign something’s wearing out or out of place.

Common Reasons Your Struts Make Noise

1. Worn bushings – The rubber cushions around the strut can crack with age. When they’re damaged, metal contacts metal and you hear a knock.

2. Leakage in the shock absorber – If the oil inside the strut leaks, the damping effect weakens. The result is a hollow thump each time the wheel moves.

3. Loose mounting bolts – Vibration can loosen the bolts that hold the strut to the knuckle or chassis. Loose bolts create a rattling sound that gets louder at higher speeds.

4. Bad alignment or bent suspension components – A bent control arm or mis‑aligned strut will put odd forces on the strut, making it chatter. Our post on Can You Drive With a Bent Suspension? explains the dangers of ignoring this.

How to Diagnose Strut Noise Quickly

First, do a visual check. Look for oil stains around the strut cylinder – that’s a leak. Then, push down on the front or rear of the car and listen. If you hear a deep thump that fades slowly, the shock absorber is likely worn.

Next, get inside the car and bounce each corner individually. A single noisy corner points to that strut. Finally, shake the wheel at the 12 o’clock position; any looseness felt through the steering wheel is a red flag.

If you’re not comfortable doing these checks, pop into a garage. Our technicians can spot a bad strut in minutes and tell you whether it needs a simple rebuild or a full replacement.

Ignoring strut noise can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and even loss of control on rough roads. Replacing worn struts restores ride comfort and keeps the suspension geometry intact.

When you decide to replace, ask for a full suspension inspection. It’s common to find worn shocks, broken mounts, or bad bushings at the same time. Fixing everything together saves you future trips and keeps the car balanced.

Bottom line: A noisy strut isn’t just annoying – it’s a warning. Spot the cause early, get a professional inspection, and replace the faulty parts. Your car will feel smoother, safer, and you’ll avoid costly repairs down the line.