Dear Mike,
I’m experiencing a rather alarming issue with my vehicle. As I drive, I hear a loud banging noise coming from the rear. It sounds downright horrendous and I’m worried about what it might be. Could it possibly be something simple, like a loose bolt or not-so-serious suspension issue? Or is it something more serious, that could lead to major damage if left unaddressed? I’m hoping you can give me some advice on what steps I should take to diagnose and resolve this issue.
Best regards,
Natasha
Dear Natasha,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your concern about the loud banging noise coming from your vehicle’s rear. I’m not one to panic, but that noise sounds like it could be caused by a multitude of things, some of which have the potential to turn your car into a literal deathtrap. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Before we jump to the worst-case scenario, let’s see if we can diagnose the problem. Since you mentioned that the noise is coming from the rear, it’s likely that the culprit is a worn or damaged shock or strut mount. These little rubber insulators are responsible for cushioning your vehicle from all the jostling and jarring that occurs when you’re driving over bumps and dips in the road.
To confirm whether or not this is the issue, I recommend doing the old bounce test. Simply push down on each corner of your car above the wheels and see how it responds. If your car continues to bounce even after you release it, then it’s likely that the shock or strut mounts are worn or damaged, causing your car to jarringly jolt around like a rodeo bull.
Now, if you’re not sure how to perform the bounce test or your car still continues to bounce even after performing the test, then it’s time to bring your car into our shop. We’ll give your vehicle a thorough examination, and you won’t have to worry about accidentally turning your car into a carnival ride.
It’s not just the noise you need to be worried about when it comes to worn shock or strut mounts. If left unchecked, these damaged mounts have the potential to cause damage to your tires, steering, suspension, and can ultimately lead to a loss of control while driving. Trust me when I say this- the thought of being at the mercy of a mechanical bull is not a fun experience.
Thankfully, your concerns aren’t unfounded, and the solution is relatively simple- replace those worn or damaged shock or strut mounts. With the Urban Automotive team, we’ll replace the mounts with high-quality, durable rubber insulators. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in the ride quality, and also have peace of mind knowing that your car isn’t going to turn into a wild west rodeo.
In conclusion, don’t wait another day to bring your car in for a check-up. Let our team at Urban Automotive diagnose the issue, replace any worn mounts, and get you back on the road safely. In the meantime, don’t forget to hold on tight- you never know when you’ll encounter bumps and dips in the road.
Best regards,
Mike Urban