It can be alarming to notice thumping noises while driving. Thumping noises can potentially lead to serious issues with your vehicle and potentially dangerous driving situations. Because of this, it is important to know the different causes of thumping noises while driving.
Thumping noises while accelerating are commonly caused by a bad starter or a faulty transmission mount. If the thumping noise is happening while slowing down, it is likely caused by bad brake pads or rotors. If the thumping noise is louder while driving normally, it is likely due to worn tires, bad bearings or joints, or transmission issues.
This guide will walk you through all of the different causes of thumping noises while driving. This will help you identify the cause of your issue and how you can resolve them while also avoiding them in the future.
Why Is My Car Making A Thumping Noise
The following sections will detail the different reasons that your vehicle may be making thumping noises while driving at different speeds.
Thumping Noise While Accelerating
Bad Starter Motor
A bad starter motor can cause thumping noises while accelerating. The thumping noise will be most prevalent while attempting to start the car if the starter motor is the cause of the problem. In most cases, your vehicle will not start properly if it is making a thumping noise while starting the vehicle.
If you notice thumping noises while starting the vehicle, then you will need to have the starter replaced by a mechanic to resolve the issue. They will be able to determine whether your starter can be repaired or if it will need to be replaced entirely.
Faulty Transmission Mount
A faulty transmission mount can also cause significant thumping noises while accelerating. Transmission mount damage is rare and is a serious issue that will need to be addressed before driving your vehicle again.
A thumping noise coming from the transmission mount indicates that there is metal bumping other metal components inside of the transmission block. You will need to have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your engine.
Thumping Noise While Slowing Down
Bad Brake Pad/Rotor
A cracked or worn brake pad and rotor can also cause significant thumping noises while driving at low speeds or while slowing down. A cracked brake pad can become uneven and rub against the rotor. This can happen even when the brakes are not currently being used.
The noise is more prevalent when turning because movements in the brake area will begin to press the pad to the rotor. Another common cause of brake pad rubbing is foreign objects like rocks finding their way between the brake pad and the rotor.
Any foreign objects will need to be removed as soon as possible to avoid scratches and further damage to the brake pad. You should inspect your brake pads for damage and foreign objects to resolve the rubbing issue.
If you need to replace your brake pads, you should do so in pairs. This will help ensure even wear and lower the chances of encountering issues in the future. You can take your vehicle to a mechanic or replace the brake pads yourself if you have the tools and know-how.
Thumping Noise While Driving
Worn Tires Or Low Tire Pressure
Worn tires or tires that are not inflated properly will cause significant thumping noises while driving. This is due to the steel belts inside of the tires slamming against the wheel block of the vehicle. Worn tires will need to be replaced with new tires to remedy this issue.
If your tires are relatively new, then you will be able to refill them with the appropriate amount of air to keep the thumping noise to a minimum. New tires will frequently make a thumping noise which is not always a serious concern.
Bad Suspension Mount
A bad suspension mount can also cause thumping noises while driving. The suspension mount will wear over time and eventually will cause the struts of the vehicle to vibrate against the chassis. This will create a significant rattling or thumping noise while driving.
You should take your vehicle to a mechanic and have your suspension mount replaced if you notice that the thumping noises are coming primarily from the front of the vehicle. They will be able to determine the exact cause of your issue and offer you the best plan of action moving forward.
Bad CV Joint
Bad CV joints are another common cause of thumping and grinding noises while driving. The CV joints are responsible for holding the drive shaft in place and transferring the power from the transmission to the wheels. When the CV joints become worn, you will begin to notice significant thumping noises while driving.
Bad CV joints are caused by normal wear and tear as well as aggressive driving habits. Symptoms of bad CV joints include:
- Rubbing noises while turning
- Grinding noise while driving
- Unresponsive steering
You will need to replace the CV joints in your vehicle if you notice that they are worn or damaged. A mechanic will be able to determine the best course of action for addressing your CV joint issues.
Worn Struts And Shocks
Worn-out struts and shocks are common causes of thumping noises while driving. The struts and shocks of your vehicle are vital to controlling the movement of your vehicle. When these components begin to wear out, you will often begin to hear a thumping noise while driving.
Worn-out struts and shocks can eventually cause dangerous driving conditions and should be addressed as soon as possible. Worn struts and shocks could potentially cause you to lose control of your vehicle while driving.
Other symptoms of worn-out struts and shocks include:
- Uneven tire wear
- Car not riding smoothly
- Constant vibrations in the steering wheel
- Leaking fluid
- Brakes not working effectively
The most common cause of worn struts and shocks is simply degradation over time. Depending on the terrain and your driving style, you may find yourself needing to replace your struts and shocks much earlier than usual.
If you begin to notice thumping noises while driving, inspect your struts and shocks and replace them if you notice significant wear or damage.
Transmission Problems
Transmission issues can also cause thumping noises while driving. If you believe the thumping noise is coming from the engine block, it may actually be coming from the transmission. This issue is much more prevalent in vehicles with automatic transmissions.
In vehicles with automatic transmissions, thumping noises from the transmission indicate a serious issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the transmission is one of the most expensive vehicle components to repair and replace.
Symptoms that you can use to identify transmission issues include:
- Grinding noises from the engine block
- Trouble accelerating
- Issues starting the vehicle
- Vehicle running hot
Most transmission issues are caused by poor maintenance routines, low fluid levels, or a bad clutch. Unfortunately, by the time you are hearing a thumping noise from the transmission, it is likely that it has been damaged permanently and will need to be repaired or replaced.
You will need to take your car to a mechanic and have them inspect the transmission so they can offer you the best course of action to address it. Transmission issues are the most expensive to resolve and could cost upwards of several thousand dollars to repair.
Bad Wheel Bearings
Bad wheel bearings can also cause thumping noises while driving. The wheel bearings are responsible for keeping the wheels in place and keeping them rolling properly. Friction can cause the wheel bearings to no longer function properly.
Once the wheel bearings have worn down enough, you will begin to hear a thumping noise when slowing down or driving at slower speeds. The longer you drive your vehicle with bad wheel bearings, the higher your chances of encountering more serious issues with your vehicle.
Common symptoms of bad wheel bearings include:
- Grinding noises at low speeds
- Trouble steering
- Unresponsive turning
- Squealing noise while accelerating
Your wheel bearings can be damaged by normal wear and will eventually need to be replaced based on how long you have had your vehicle. You should take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them inspect your wheel bearings and replace them if necessary.
Bad Ball Joints
Bad ball joints are another common cause of thumping noises while driving. Ball joints are responsible for keeping the wheels and suspension system connected and moving together as one. As the ball joints become worn over time, they can begin to make thumping noises while driving.
Some common symptoms of bad ball joints include:
- Trouble turning
- Thumping, rattling, or grinding noises while driving
- Unresponsive steering
If you begin to notice these issues, it is important that you inspect the ball joints of your vehicle as soon as possible.
Bad ball joints can cause extremely dangerous driving conditions, especially at high speeds. Ball joints will eventually begin to wear over time due to normal use. You should have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic and replace the ball joints of your vehicle if they are worn.
Consequences Of Not Addressing Thumping Noises Coming From Your Car
There could be serious consequences to driving your vehicle while it is making thumping noises for an extended period of time. Depending on the cause of the thumping noise, continuing to drive your vehicle before addressing the issue could cause some costly and potentially dangerous issues.
For example, if the brake pads or rotors are causing the thumping noise, you could wind up with brake failure. This will put both you and other drivers in a dangerous situation. Transmission failure is another issue you could encounter which will leave you stranded and potentially cost you thousands to repair.
Bad ball joints or CV joints could cause you to potentially lose control while driving. To avoid permanent damage to your vehicle or a potentially fatal accident, you should address any thumping noises that you hear as soon as possible.
Depending on the cause of the thumping noises, you may need to consider having your vehicle towed to a mechanic rather than driving it to ensure the safety of you and other drivers on the road.
Conclusion
Your vehicle could be making thumping noises for several different reasons, including bad brakes, worn bearings, and transmission issues. If you notice thumping noises while driving, it could be caused by worn struts and shocks or low tire pressure.
No matter what the cause of the thumping noises is, it is important that you address the issue as soon as possible to avoid potentially costly repairs or putting you and others in a dangerous situation on the road. A mechanic will be able to determine the cause of your issue and offer you the best plan of action moving forward.