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What causes a front-end clunking noise when going over bumps?

My car suddenly started making loud clunking noises coming from the front end whenever I drive over bumps. What would be causing this?

avatar
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A front-end clunking noise while going over bumps is most often caused by damaged control arms or suspension struts. Here are a few more potential causes:
  • Loose or damaged tie rod
  • Loose or damaged tires or tire lug nuts
  • Loose or damaged wheel bearings or ball joints
  • Problems with the sway bar
Many of these problems typically arise from frequent off-roading or
pothole damage
If left unrepaired, damage can extend to your car’s body mount, causing noise and vibration in the vehicle’s cab.
You should
take your car to a mechanic
to diagnose the problem, but the costs for this
car repair
will vary.
For example: A damaged control arm will cost $160 to $390 per arm to repair. Faulty suspension struts, on the other hand, cost around $400 to $1000 to replace depending on the make and model of your car.
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