I've been trying to track down or mitigate a loud bang that my '03 (76k) makes when going over a 1-2" crack near my house. The car runs great otherwise, over speed bumps and on the freeway, but any sudden bump, no matter how small, will generate a loud "wham!". Generally speaking, both front and rear wheels will do it. The sound doesn't come from one place in particular.

I've replaced all the struts (with B4s), the front strut mounts, the rear sway bar bushings and one or two engine mounts. The hatch seal and rubber stand-offs look great. The doors don't sound great when closed, but not horrible. There's no difference with the spare tire removed.

btw, can anyone tell, are those lowering springs? It might explain the incredibly short travel.

 

Is your battery tight?

 

Ya, it seems as secure as anything.

 

did you replace your A arm bushings?

 

Have you replaced the rear shock/strut bushings (integral part of the assembly). My '04 had a loud clunking sound emanating from the rear. I replaced the the two yellow bushings on each assembly and, presto, sound gone.

 

I have not replaced the A arm bushings. Would that affect bangs from the rear wheels too?

Ya, I replaced the rear strut bushings when I did those.

I've seen some videos recommending trimming the bump stop and/or using only the soft part. Do these cars really have so little clearance? It's also hard to believe that a new car off the showroom floor would ever sell with this behavior, so I'm wondering what is different about it when it's new.

btw, if it helps, this poster describes the exact same symptom: bang over expansion joint:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...bilsteins.html