Creaky / Banging sound when going over bumps

Question

I have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata, it is making a "creaky" or "metallic banging" sound when I go over bumps. The sound is coming from the right rear wheel area, is this a bad strut? When I push on that corner of the car it does not seem to bounce any more than the other corners. I also am unable to reproduce the sound by simply pushing on the car, though the sound happens very frequently when driving on the road or pulling into a driveway.

I am only planning on keeping this car for another 6-12 months. Is this something that is worth fixing? Is it is safety issue? Will not fixing cause more damage to the suspension?

Answer 1

It could be various things:

• loose fixing on a strut
• worn damper washers
• broken or loose mount points
• damaged universal joint

And various others.

I would definitely recommend getting it checked out, as if it broke at speed and was a component that keeps the wheel in contact with the ground then steering could get...interesting, with the front left potentially losing all traction.

Answer 2

Without knowing the cause, it's hard to say whether or not it is a safety issue, but it could be - it would be worth it to take it to a mechanic to determine the cause.

It might be as simple as a loose muffler hanger, or it could be a broken strut or something else that could let go and leave you stranded.