Rattling from below on uneven roads
Clattering or banging from below while driving over bumps and cobblestones is a common symptom indicating problems with the suspension or body protection. Ignoring unusual noises can lead to serious damage while driving, which is hazardous for control.
Likely causes — most common first
Wear of stabilizer bars or links
These components are responsible for the car's stability in turns. When the joints inside them wear out, a characteristic clattering sound appears on small bumps and speed bumps.
Loose engine protection mounting
The metal sheet at the bottom protects the engine from impacts, but from vibrations and driving over bumps, its bolts can come loose. The protection starts to vibrate and clatter against the body.
Wear of silent blocks of levers
Silent blocks (rubber-metal joints of the suspension) crack and wear out over time. Due to this, the metal parts of the levers start to hit each other on bumps.
Problem with shock absorbers or their mounts
A worn-out shock absorber or a broken upper mount of the strut stops damping vibrations and produces a muffled clatter or bang when driving over deep potholes.
Loosened exhaust system mounts
The muffler and exhaust pipes are held by rubber and metal brackets. If the rubber is torn or the mount is loose, the muffler hits the bottom of the body.
