Suspension Basics: Shocks, Struts & Potholes

Shocks and Struts

Shock absorbers (or struts, which combine a shock absorber with a structural spring mount) control how your car's springs respond to bumps — without them, a car would bounce repeatedly after every bump rather than settling quickly. Worn shocks show up as excessive bounce, a "floaty" feeling over bumps, or a nose-dive when braking hard.

Bushes

Bushes are rubber (or polyurethane) isolators at the pivot points of suspension components, allowing controlled movement while damping vibration and noise. They harden and crack with age and heat, eventually developing enough play to produce a knock or clunk over bumps.

Sway Bar Links

Sway bar links connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension at each wheel, reducing body roll in corners. Their small ball-joint ends wear over time — often the single most common source of a clunk over speed bumps, since it's a relatively cheap, high-wear component.

Why Local Roads Matter

Potholes, speed bumps, and tight parking with frequent kerb contact all place repeated, sharp loads on these components — considerably more than steady highway driving. Suburbs with more aging infrastructure or heavier local traffic tend to see suspension wear show up sooner than the same car would experience on smoother, newer roads.

For the specific case of a clunk over bumps and how it's diagnosed, see our FAQ: What's Causing That Clunking Noise When I Go Over Bumps?