Why Is My Car Making a Knocking Sound?
Hearing a knocking noise from your engine or suspension can be worrying. Whether it's a light tapping or a loud thump, the sound often points to issues you should fix quickly to avoid serious damage.
At Peers Auto Spares, we help customers across South Africa pinpoint and solve knocking noises with the right parts. Let’s go over the common causes and what you can do about them.
🔍 What Type of Knocking Sound Is It?
The location and timing of the knock can help you figure out what’s wrong:
| Type of Knock | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Engine knock (while driving) | Spark plug issue, poor fuel, carbon buildup |
| Suspension knock (over bumps) | Worn shocks, bushings, or ball joints |
| Knocking during braking | Loose brake pads or calipers |
Let’s explore each in more detail.
🧰 1. Engine Knocking (Ping or Detonation)
If the sound happens while accelerating, it’s likely coming from the engine. This is often called “engine knock” and is caused by fuel igniting at the wrong time.
Common causes:
- Worn or incorrect spark plugs
- Low-quality fuel
- Carbon buildup on pistons
- Incorrect ignition timing
🔧 Replacing your spark plugs with the correct type can reduce knocking and restore power and fuel efficiency.
🔧 2. Worn Suspension Components
A knocking sound when going over bumps usually comes from the suspension system. Parts like control arms, bushings, and shock absorbers wear out over time.
Symptoms:
- Clunking noise over speed bumps or potholes
- Steering feels unstable
- Uneven tire wear
🛠️ Check out our range of steering and suspension parts to fix the noise and improve ride quality.
🚗 3. Loose or Damaged Brake Components
If you hear knocking when braking, the issue could be with your brake pads, calipers, or mounts. Worn-out pads or loose fittings can cause metal-to-metal contact.
Look for:
- Knocking or thumping sound when braking
- Vibration in the pedal
- Reduced braking power
🛒 Order brake pads and fitting kits from Peers Auto Spares — high quality for safer driving.
🔧 4. Engine Mount Failure
Engine mounts hold your engine in place. When they wear out, the engine can shift during acceleration or braking, causing a thud or knock.
Clues:
- Knock when changing gears
- Excessive vibration
- Engine feels like it moves
🔍 We can help you find the correct engine mountings for your car — just contact us with your VIN or model.
👂 How to Diagnose It Yourself
- When do you hear the knock? (Starting, driving, turning?)
- Is it from the engine bay or the wheels?
- Does it happen only on bumpy roads or all the time?
Knowing when and where it happens helps narrow down the part that’s failing.
🔁 How to Fix a Knocking Sound
Here are some parts you might need:
- Spark plugs
- Engine mounts
- Control arms and ball joints
- Shock absorbers or bushings
- Brake pads and calipers
🛠️ Shop online now at Peers Auto Spares — we deliver quality spares anywhere in South Africa.
✅ Final Thoughts
A knocking noise in your car is never normal. While it might not seem urgent at first, it often points to wear or damage in important systems like your engine, brakes, or suspension.
At Peers Auto Spares, we:
- Help identify the correct replacement parts
- Stock spark plugs, suspension components, and brake parts
- Offer fast and reliable delivery
🧰 Visit our store or message us with your car model — let’s stop that knocking for good.
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