3 Reasons Your Car has a Banging Noise

We have all been there. You are in your car, driving along, and out of nowhere you hear a big BANG!

Your paranoia kicks in, and as soon as you get home you rush out of your car to look for potential causes.

Here is a list of possible culprits to help you identify the cause of that Bang!

Banging Noises in your car can have simple causes, however, more often than not they represent something larger that could pose a safety risk to you and your family. Be safe and let Pugh's Service Automotive inspect your vehicle for free!

Check Your Exhaust

As soon as safely possible, check for a Loose Exhaust Pipe on your vehicle. If you find that your Exhaust is loose then the trouble could be as simple as a Failed Exhaust Hanger or Exhaust Insulator. However, if the noise was more of a Rattle than a Bang, it could be the Heat Shields on the Exhaust System.

If the noise you are hearing does happen to be the Heat Shields, then it could be that they came loose or were damaged. In that case the Heat Shield can be secured.

However, in the case of Damaged Heat Shields, they will require replacement. Replacing a heat shield typically includes replacing additional exhaust pieces.

Steering and Suspension Systems

Believe it or not, Steering and Suspension Systems also cause Banging Noises.

If the Steering or Suspension is at fault for the noise, then the noise will normally be apparent while you are driving.

Loose or worn Shock Absorbers or Struts will bang when the car or truck is bounced and while driving. If it sounds like the banging is coming from the front wheel area, then a potential cause could be faulty Ball Joints.

A warning to the wise, if this is the issue, then please don’t drive the car.

In addition to Ball Joints, other culprits that could cause a banging in the steering system are Sway Bar Links, Tie Rods, Tie Rod Ends, Drag Links, the Pitman Arm, Idler Arm or other Steering Components. All these potential issues should be repaired and are huge safety concerns.

Transmission or Engine

Do you hear the banging when you put the car or truck in gear or during acceleration?

If the answer is “yes”, then the likely guilty party is an engine mount or transmission mount. Faulty Engine or Transmission Mounts left unrepaired will eventually lead to additional and costly damage

Engine and Transmission Mounts on newer cars and trucks should only be repaired by a shop with the correct tools. While older vehicles may be easier to repair in most cases, they can still prove difficult if you lack the proper tools and expertise.

Ultimately, while Banging Noises could be something simple, they can also represent a large safety concern. In these cases, please be safe and have a professional do a simple inspection.

At Pugh’s Service, we automatically perform a complete inspection of your vehicle regardless of your reason for coming to see us, at NO CHARGE!!!! So, let’s make sure you, your family and other drivers’ families are safe on our roads.

For more information feel free to visit us on our Website or Facebook Page. You can also call us at (302)-734-4231 or stop in at 728 Leipsic Rd in Dover, Delaware.