Repairs · 4 min read
Why is my car making a knocking noise?
Noise is one of the most useful diagnostic clues you can give a workshop — as long as you can describe when it happens.
Knocking over bumps
A knock or clunk that appears over potholes and speed bumps, and disappears on smooth road, is almost always suspension: drop links, bushes, top mounts or worn ball joints. It's rarely dangerous immediately, but it does get worse.
Knocking under acceleration
A rhythmic knock that rises with engine speed is an engine noise and should be checked quickly. A clunk when pulling away or changing gear is more likely a driveshaft, engine mount or gearbox mount.
Knocking while turning
A clicking or knocking on full lock, especially in car parks, is a classic worn CV joint symptom.
How to describe it
Tell us: does it happen when stationary, moving, turning, braking, accelerating, or over bumps? Cold or warm? A phone recording from inside the car helps more than you'd expect.
Bookings
Book your car into the workshop
Tell us your registration and what the car is doing. We'll come back to you to confirm a date.