You need struts
When your rear trailing arm (rear control arm) are bad you will hear a clunking noise when going over bumps and potholes .... This noise is louder and more noticible while you have passengers in the rear seats..... You will also hear your tires squeek a little on turns
Hi I'm Patrick and I have a 1994 Plymouth Acclaim and that annoying clunking sound is coming from the rear wheels there's a bar that runs down the middle of the rail that holds the wheels together and when you go over a bump that bar smacks the canal it sits in and makes that sound so I just got my welder out and welded it to the canal to keep it from smacking.
Chain alignment is off between the freewheel and front chainring. Also check chain tension when installing the back wheel.
A clunking noise when shifting gears on a K1500 automatic transmission, might mean a problem with the drive axle or drive shaft. Check all U-Joints to make sure they are working properly.
If you operate a front wheel drive vehicle, the clunking noise you hear may be a CV joint bearing going bad.
it could be that your exhaust pipe is lose, i saw a Forester (a litttle newer than that) with the same problem.
A clunking noise when turning, especially from the right side, may indicate a problem with the CV joint (constant velocity joint). This noise often occurs due to wear or damage in the joint, which is responsible for transferring power to the wheels while allowing for flexibility during turns. However, it's also possible that the noise could stem from other issues, such as worn suspension components or a loose exhaust. It's advisable to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle to accurately diagnose the source of the noise.
Little rubber parts that help to cushion a car's suspension system, if they wear out you can hear a knocking noise when going over bumps.
Check your sway bar rubbers in the front, there are 4 of them and they will cause a bumping and banging noise around corners and over bumps.
"Did you hear that noise?" -or- "Did you not hear that noise I just heard?"
Coil springs should be replaced if you notice signs of wear such as sagging, uneven ride height, or excessive bouncing while driving. Additionally, if you hear clunking or rattling noises when going over bumps, or if your vehicle's handling feels unstable, it's time to consider replacement. Regular inspections, especially after hitting potholes or in older vehicles, can help determine when replacement is necessary.
You can tell if your struts are broken by observing signs such as excessive bouncing or swaying of the vehicle when driving over bumps, uneven tire wear, or a noticeable decline in ride comfort. Additionally, if you hear a knocking or clunking noise when going over bumps, it may indicate strut issues. Performing a bounce test—pushing down on the front or rear of the vehicle and observing how it reacts—can also help; if it continues to bounce more than once or twice, the struts may be worn or damaged.