Clunking or knocking noise from the wheel Inspection

SKU 20738 Category

Clunking or knocking noise from the wheel Inspection

How this system works:

Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to minimize friction between the tires and the road, ensuring a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Many of the components that may cause a clunking or knocking noise are not only a part of the suspension, but help control the steering of the vehicle. Any issues regarding the steering or suspension of the vehicle should be looked at by a mechanic as they will only become worse over time.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Ball Joints: Ball joints connect the vehicle’s wheel hubs to the rest of the suspension components. Depending on the vehicle, one or two ball joints per wheel and may or may not be load bearing. If a ball joint is beginning to fail, you may notice a clunking noise coming from the front wheels. This clunking noise will become louder and more frequent over time. You may also notice that your steering has been affected by the bad ball joint, potentially causing vibration in the steering wheel.
  • Bad Sway Bar Link: A vehicle’s sway bar or anti-roll bar, helps reduce body roll while cornering. Sway bars can help keep a vehicle from rolling over when going around a sharp corner. If the sway bar breaks or is damaged it may produce a clunking or knocking sound, especially when going over bumps. Your vehicle may also had more difficulty handling when the sway bar is damaged.
  • Bad Tie Rods: Tie rods connect a vehicle’s steering rack to the steering arm. This helps translate the turning of the steering wheel to the direction of the tires. When a tie rod end is worn or loose, they may produce a clunking noise. Worn tie rod ends may also cause more play in the steering wheel, making turning more vague.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the reason for the clunking or knocking noise from the wheels. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report outlining the reason for the noise and the cost of any repairs that need to be made.

How it’s done:

Telling a mechanic about any unusual sensations, in addition to the clunking or knocking noise, you may have observed, will help him or her understand what went wrong with the vehicle.

The mechanic will begin by lifting the front of the vehicle off the ground and shaking the front tires to check for play. If there is play in the front tires, the mechanic will suspect bad ball joints. The mechanic will then remove the wheel and the control arm(s) in order to access the faulty ball joint. He or she will then remove the old ball joint and replace it with a new one. The mechanic should also ensure that the new ball joint is properly lubricated in order to ensure longer life.

If the mechanic suspects that the sway bar has gone bad, the mechanic will begin by examining the sway bar bushings. If the entire sway bar appears to be intact the bushing may cause the clunking noise. The mechanic will then replace the bushings and the sway bar if necessary.

If the mechanic suspects the tie rods, he or she will examine the tie rods for damage. If the tie rod end had become worn or loose, the mechanic will remove it and replace it with a new one. The mechanic will also ensure after installation, that the new tie rod end is properly lubricated.

In all repairs, the mechanic will make sure after completing the necessary repairs that the car handles properly. He or she should ask to test drive the vehicle to ensure this.

How important is this service?

Suspension and steering components that have gone bad will only get worse over time. If you notice that your car is not handling well or that it has started producing a clunking or knocking noise, you should have it inspected by a mechanic. Issues with suspension and steering components could also lead to other issues, like prematurely worn tires. Being vigilant about repairs to these components can help ensure long-life for your vehicle.

Description

Clunking or knocking noise from the wheel Inspection

How this system works:

Your vehicle’s suspension system is designed to minimize friction between the tires and the road, ensuring a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. Many of the components that may cause a clunking or knocking noise are not only a part of the suspension, but help control the steering of the vehicle. Any issues regarding the steering or suspension of the vehicle should be looked at by a mechanic as they will only become worse over time.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Ball Joints: Ball joints connect the vehicle’s wheel hubs to the rest of the suspension components. Depending on the vehicle, one or two ball joints per wheel and may or may not be load bearing. If a ball joint is beginning to fail, you may notice a clunking noise coming from the front wheels. This clunking noise will become louder and more frequent over time. You may also notice that your steering has been affected by the bad ball joint, potentially causing vibration in the steering wheel.
  • Bad Sway Bar Link: A vehicle’s sway bar or anti-roll bar, helps reduce body roll while cornering. Sway bars can help keep a vehicle from rolling over when going around a sharp corner. If the sway bar breaks or is damaged it may produce a clunking or knocking sound, especially when going over bumps. Your vehicle may also had more difficulty handling when the sway bar is damaged.
  • Bad Tie Rods: Tie rods connect a vehicle’s steering rack to the steering arm. This helps translate the turning of the steering wheel to the direction of the tires. When a tie rod end is worn or loose, they may produce a clunking noise. Worn tie rod ends may also cause more play in the steering wheel, making turning more vague.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the reason for the clunking or knocking noise from the wheels. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report outlining the reason for the noise and the cost of any repairs that need to be made.

How it’s done:

Telling a mechanic about any unusual sensations, in addition to the clunking or knocking noise, you may have observed, will help him or her understand what went wrong with the vehicle.

The mechanic will begin by lifting the front of the vehicle off the ground and shaking the front tires to check for play. If there is play in the front tires, the mechanic will suspect bad ball joints. The mechanic will then remove the wheel and the control arm(s) in order to access the faulty ball joint. He or she will then remove the old ball joint and replace it with a new one. The mechanic should also ensure that the new ball joint is properly lubricated in order to ensure longer life.

If the mechanic suspects that the sway bar has gone bad, the mechanic will begin by examining the sway bar bushings. If the entire sway bar appears to be intact the bushing may cause the clunking noise. The mechanic will then replace the bushings and the sway bar if necessary.

If the mechanic suspects the tie rods, he or she will examine the tie rods for damage. If the tie rod end had become worn or loose, the mechanic will remove it and replace it with a new one. The mechanic will also ensure after installation, that the new tie rod end is properly lubricated.

In all repairs, the mechanic will make sure after completing the necessary repairs that the car handles properly. He or she should ask to test drive the vehicle to ensure this.

How important is this service?

Suspension and steering components that have gone bad will only get worse over time. If you notice that your car is not handling well or that it has started producing a clunking or knocking noise, you should have it inspected by a mechanic. Issues with suspension and steering components could also lead to other issues, like prematurely worn tires. Being vigilant about repairs to these components can help ensure long-life for your vehicle.

view our available expert Mobile Mechanics

What our customers have to say about Fixxr

Excellent Service by Tony Da Silva

Tony was assigned to my rescue when my vehicle was not starting in the morning. Initially our appointment was scheduled at 16:30 through our communication during the day we both agreed that he can come at anytime once he has done with his other duties. He arrived an hour early at 15:30. As pro he immediately diagnosed the problem of my vehicle. The problem has been sorted now and the car is able to start smoothly. His level of professionalism and customer oriented is out of this world. Keep up with the good work Tony and Thank you.
Khaya Mnyandu
12 April 2025

Wonderful service

Thank you for the the wonderful service
Jean Dovey
9 April 2025

Satisfied customer

Thank you so much Tony for your excellent service and professionalism. I would recommend your service to others
Thamaga Malatji
6 April 2025

Flipping brilliant!

Flipping brilliant!
Ria Smit
14 April 2025

Great Service!

Fantastic service with honest feedback throughout the process. I’m going back to Tony for all my services/repairs.
Tertius Bergh
23 April 2025

Oliver Maphosa arrived on time and went all out to fix the problem my car was experiencing.

Oliver Maphosa arrived on time and went all out to fix the problem my car was experiencing. Highly recommended. Thank you
Michele G
5 March 2025

Takunda

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for getting my vehicle back on the road! I really appreciate all the hard work and effort you put in to complete everything on time. You all did an amazing job!
Constantine Mecuur
10 March 2025

Happy Customer

I’m satisfied with the rapid response received. My technician was punctual and assisted me. Thank you so much!!!
Dima
12 March 2025

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for getting my vehicle back on the road! I really appreciate all the hard work and effort you put in to complete everything on time

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for getting my vehicle back on the road! I really appreciate all the hard work and effort you put in to complete everything on time. You all did an amazing job!
Constantine M
10 March 2025

Other Fixxr Offerings

Price Match Guarentee

We will match and beat any competitors quote.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Keep your  car in top shape all year round without the stress of large upfront payments!

FLeet repair & maintenance

Your fleet is an asset and a money-maker. We offer services for commercial and personal fleets, keeping your wheels on the road.

Let our experienced consultants call you

Tell us about the service or issue you need help with