A Hyundai Sonata rear suspension noise can be a concerning situation to deal with.
This is why it is important to conduct some checks and tests to make sure you understand completely what may be causing this noise. Then, you can have the issue addressed appropriately.
Find out how to check for this rear suspension noise issue, what needs to be done about it, and other important details you need to know.
Hyundai Sonata Rear Suspension Noise
It is a must to check your rear suspension as part of the maintenance procedure. When you hear a noise, then you should inspect it further. Here are some things you can do to conduct a check on a rear suspension noise problem.
1. Drive test.
Do a drive test over different types of road surfaces such as dirt roads, curves, speed bumps and rough pavements, in addition to a straight pavement. Check for noises such as squeals, squeaks and clunks. When you hear any of these noises even without applying the brake, then one or more of the suspension bushings could have been cracked or worn.
Moreover, if there is a heavy clunking sound when you turn the steering wheel in any direction, a suspension bushing problem can be an issue. You should also check if your vehicle tends to drift or pull to the right or left while you drive on a level or straight road.
2. Engage the emergency brake as you park the vehicle. Check the tires, with more emphasis on the front tires, for unusual wear patterns. When your tires are worn on the inside or outside tread surfaces, there could be a suspension misalignment problem related to the bushing.
3. Raise the hood and check the strut tower or top shock located in the fender well. There should be a bushing sitting right below the spacer at the top portion of the shock mount. Check the bushing for deformities including splitting, cracking and a crushed appearance.
4. Push the suspension a few times and check whether the rubber shock bushing momentarily from the compression on either side. Any movement indicates a worn or crushed bushing. You should also check the rear shocks that may have two bushings located at each end for similar symptoms.
5. Use a flashlight as you slide under the front portion of your vehicle. Shine the light on an angular bar stretching from a wheel location to another, which is the stabilizer or anti-sway bar. You should see two end bushings and two frame-mounted bushings.
Look for cracks and any side that the bushing is squeezed out of the joint or bracket. Use your hand as you pull the anti-sway bar and check for movement. If there are deformed bushings or loose bars, you need to have these replaced.
6. Lift the vehicle with a floor jack to get the vehicle higher up to locate the lower and upper control arms located on the side. Check for deformity and cracks on the bushings.
7. Wiggle the frame and upper control arm using a pry bar and check for play in your bushing sleeve. You should also look for big gaps between the retaining spacer and bushing sleeve. When there is a sloppy play that generates noise in the lower or upper control arm, this could mean that the bushing is defective or worn.
Your car suspension has many parts, and it is important to look for potential issues that can be originating in these areas. It can take many hours or even a full day for the repair work, not to mention the massive expense that could go anywhere from $1,000 up to $5,000. The cost depends on the extent of damage and the parts to be replaced.
Signs Of Suspension Problem And Repair Cost
There are a number of signs that point toward a suspension issue such as rough rides, drifting when you turn, and uneven tire treads. When the suspension is faulty, you can observe a more vigorous braking and turning experience.
Moreover, you may notice your car drifting during every turn. This is a sign that the shock no longer works properly. Thus, your vehicle is not quite stable and you feel drifting on turns.
And lastly, uneven tire treads can mean that the suspension is not functioning properly. Your vehicle’s suspension is no longer able to keep the tires even, which is why one side may have reduced treads as compared to the other side.
When it comes to suspension repair, it can set you back a few thousand dollars. There are also main costs to consider such as the following:
- Coil spring replacement ($500 – $700)
- Wheel alignment ($20 – $400)
- Shock absorber replacement ($200 – $1,600)
- Strut replacement ($50 – $950)
Driving a car when the suspension is not recommended. It makes for an uncomfortable ride while at the same time putting yourself and others in danger. It is harder to control the vehicle whether it is braking or turning. So, once you observe any issue, it is best to get it addressed immediately. Otherwise, you may rack up higher costs for repairs and greater safety risks.
Read More: Why Hyundai Sonata Won’t Start With Brake Pedal Hard As Rock – Causes and Fixes
Conclusion
A Hyundai Sonata rear suspension noise can pose great problems with the suspension and other related components. This is why it is best to have the problem addressed sooner to avoid further issues that can cost you more.