Hearing strange sounds every time you hit a bump? That clunk, rattle, or squeak you keep hearing? Odds are, it’s not random—those are your shocks talking. Your shock absorbers are built to keep your ride smooth and quiet. When they fail, your ears (and your suspension) will let you know.

What Kind of Noises Point to Shock Problems?

Not all suspension noises are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of sounds often tied to worn or damaged shocks:

  • Clunking – Often heard when going over bumps. Caused by loose mounting hardware or internal shock failure.

  • Rattling – Usually from worn bushings or broken shock mounts.

  • Squeaking – A sign of dry or damaged shock bushings.

  • Knocking – Can indicate a blown shock with fluid leakage or a detached internal component.

  • Groaning or creaking – Typically linked to a failing strut assembly or aging rubber components.

If you keep hearing those noises—especially when turning, braking, or hitting rough patches—it’s time to take a look at your shocks and the rest of the suspension.

Why Do Shocks Make Noise When They Fail?

Your shocks are constantly moving to control your vehicle’s suspension. Over time, seals wear down, bushings crack, and internal components loosen. At that point, your shocks can’t control the movement like they should—and they start to make noise when they try.

Common causes of noise problems linked to shocks:

  • Worn bushings – The rubber that cushions mounting points degrades, causing metal-on-metal contact.

  • Loose bolts or mounts – Shocks that aren't secured properly will rattle or clunk under movement.

  • Internal shock failure – If the piston or valves inside the shock are damaged, it may knock or groan as the shock compresses.

  • Loss of fluid – A leaking shock can bottom out more easily, causing harsh hits and loud noise.

How to Diagnose Shock-Related Noises

Not all suspension noise means your shocks are to blame—but here’s how to narrow it down:

  • Bounce Test: Push down hard on the corner of your vehicle. If it bounces more than once, your shocks are likely worn out.

  • Visual Inspection: Look for oil leaks, dented shock bodies, or cracked bushings.

  • Listen Under Load: Pay attention to when the noise happens—turning, braking, over bumps—and pinpoint exactly where it’s coming from—front or rear.

  • Lift the Vehicle: With the wheels off the ground, check for looseness in the shock mounts or give in the bushings.

If in doubt, consult a suspension specialist or replace the shocks if they’re clearly worn.

What Happens If You Ignore the Noise?

That clunking sound isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning. Ignoring those warning signals can cause lots shock related issues:

  • Poor ride quality.

  • Reduced handling and braking stability.

  • Uneven tire wear.

  • Damage to control arms, sway bars, or strut towers.

  • Higher repair costs later.

Shocks are designed to wear out over time. But when they fail, they take other parts down with them. You’ll be glad you followed your manly intuition and your wallet will thank you. 

Replace Worn Shocks Before the Noise Gets Worse

At Shockwarehouse, we carry high-quality replacement shocks and struts from trusted brands like Bilstein, KYB, Monroe, and Fox. Whether you're driving a compact car, heavy-duty truck, or SUV, we have the right suspension parts to fix the noise and bring back the quality ride you remember.

Final Thoughts

If you're dealing with strange suspension sounds, don’t wait for it to get worse. Most noise problems linked to shocks are early warnings that your suspension is wearing out. Replacing damaged shocks can bring back the quiet, improve safety, and extend the life of your vehicle.

Use our fitment tool at Shockwarehouse.com to find the right shocks for your car or truck—and get rid of that noise for good.