Why Is My Car Making a Thumping Noise?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 13 days ago
5 min read
- Diagnostic
FixMyCar explains why your car might be making a thumping noise and what you can do to fix it.
Thumping noises can be a big concern for motorists, with many of us assuming a hefty repair bill is on the horizon. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case. Using this guide, you can work out what’s likely to be causing the thumping noise in your car and what you can do about it.
Contents:
In a nutshell: Your car might be making a thumping noise due to misaligned wheels, an issue with the suspension, warped brake rotors, or a problem with the starter motor or transmission mounts.
My car makes a thumping noise while driving
Tyre issue
A bulging or warped tyre could cause a thumping noise as you drive. Inspect your tyres for signs of cracking, uneven wear or unusual shapes and replace as necessary.
The average price of tyre fitting on FixMyCar is £55.88.
Suspension system problem
If the thumping comes from the front of the car, this may indicate a suspension issue since parts can become worn and work themselves loose over time. You can learn more about how suspension works in this guide.
The average price of a suspension repair is £135.27. Find out how to diagnose common suspension issues.
My car makes a thumping noise while accelerating
Starter motor or transmission mount
If you hear a thump towards the front of your car whenever you accelerate, it’s probably a problem with either your starter motor mount or transmission mount.
Though small, transmission mounts have a significant impact on performance and the overall quality of your drive. Many things can affect the condition of transition mounts, including oxidation, vibrations and damage from collisions.
If you think your starter motor or transmission mount may be damaged, take your car to a mechanic who will be able to advise you about the repairs that are required.
On average, a starter motor repair costs £384.39.
My car makes a thumping sound when slowing down
Warped brake rotors
A thumping sound from your car’s front wheels when you brake is probably due to warped brake rotors. These are metal discs that are visible behind the car wheel. They work with callipers and brake pads to slow the vehicle's movement.
Braking generates a lot of friction, and this causes the rotor surface to become uneven over time. Warped brake rotors are considerably less effective at allowing you to brake quickly.
There are a few other signs to look out for that indicate your brake rotors need to be replaced:
Increased stopping distances
Grooves or score marks
Pulsating steering wheel
Screeching or squeaking noises when brakes are used
If you are experiencing similar symptoms in your car, it would be advisable to take it to your nearest garage to check the brakes. Doing so is essential not only for your car’s long-term health but also for your safety. Brake repairs cost £134.35 on average, depending on the level of repairs needed.
Here are five brake problems you shouldn't ignore.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.