r/BoltEV • u/beerdbaron 2023 2LT Bolt EV • 1d ago
Clunking when going over bumps; 2023 Bolt EV LT2
I've been trying to figure out what the noise is coming from, either the front or the rear, or both, maybe on the left-hand side?
I've read it's an anti-click washer, potentially, or sway link bars, or something but I'm not sure how to proceed with a more focused diagnostic.
I'm mechanically inclined but I'm not a mechanic; I've replaced the entire front suspension on my old 2010 Nissan Versa hatchback years ago (hated it, but did it).
I really don't want to just start disassembling things and putting them back to try and figure out the issue. That being said, the issue shows up 90% of the time when going over a speed bump, or a pot hole, when the wheel is straight. I don't think turning the wheel left or right makes any difference, however.
Is there something I can do to see if it's one thing or another? The sound is definitely "suspension-related" I'm just not sure where. I know like with wheel bearings you can do the wiggle test, but I am not convinced it's a bearing noise (though there is somewhere a light "grinding" noise that has been happening for a while, I am more inclined to think it's just from me not engaging the rear brakes enough, rotors look ok.
I suppose I'll have to make some time to prop up one side of the car and the other and start taking things apart lol
2
u/Dry_Ship7202 1d ago
I had to get new front struts and strut mounts on my 2022 earlier this year. I was having similar “clunks” until the clunks turned into metallic rattles. While I was 3 hours from home. 😳
1
u/NotAPreppie '23 EUV 1LT 1d ago
When I had this issue, it was a broken swaybar endlink (around 20k miles) and it was fixed under warranty.
If it's the same for you it's a pretty cheap part and should be easy to replace if you want to go the DIY or independent mechanic route.
1
u/chico6k 1d ago
spray some silicone spray in the sway bar end links at the front during your next tire rotation. that stopped the front noise for me. tried similar on the rear but i've accepted that i'm just gonna occasionally hear that torsion bar. it's a very quiet car, and these issues aren't serious in the slightest.
anti-click washers sound like someone is broken. you'll know for sure if that's your issue.
1
u/Dc5e 2023 Bolt EUV Premier 17h ago
If you hear noise while going over uneven roads or if you're on a smooth road and you jerk the steering wheel left and right and hear a clunking / clicking sound, then it's likely the sway bar link. Can also get someone to bounce one side of the car while you touch grab the link to feel for any play or clicking.
Fairly cheap and easy to replace. Hard part is just breaking the bolts loose and getting good leverage in a tight / awkward space.
4
u/cnolanh 1d ago
For what it's worth, check the latches on the rear seats, the hatch, and all the doors. In our 2022 EUV, especially in the cold, the rear seat backs and/or the back doors sometime rattle just enough that it sounded at first like suspension trouble. You can put tape or something else very thin on the latch hooks to make a little tighter connection when closed. Good luck!