How to Solve the Problem of Tire Thump

Hearing the occasional "thumping" sound from your tires can frustrate you when you're driving. If you get out and check the tire, there's no indication the tire is going flat. What is the cause of "tire thump" and how in the world do you fix it? Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ability to inflate tire
• A tire pressure gauge in order to deflate tires

How to Resolve the Tire Thump Dilemma

1. The first thing to note is that although "tire thump" most generally is caused by a tire that is out of balance, other components of the vehicle may mimic that sound. Therefore, the best way to prove you have "tire thump" is to perform a simple test.

2. Inflate all 4 of your tires to 50 lbs. of pressure. Choose a non-bumpy stretch of highway. Drive down this smooth pavement at your normal speed and within the speed limit. If you notice that the "thump" has stopped, then it is fairly reasonable to bet that the problem is your tire.

3. Next deflate only 1 tire to normal pressure and drive at your regular speed, again within the speed limit. If the thump is not apparent, then re-inflate that particular tire to 50 lbs. of pressure and deflate another tire. Keep repeating this process until you find the tire that "thumps" at the normal pressure for your tires. This is the tire causing your problem. In some situations, the test will not reveal the thumping tire. Instead, once all the tires are deflated to their recommended pressure, the "thump" will disappear. Over-inflating your tires forces the tires to adjust properly on the flanges or rims thus causing the tires to run normally.

4. If the tire continues to "thump," then the best course of action is to have the tire balanced.

5. If the "thumping" sound persists even with all your tires inflated to 50 lbs. of pressure, it may be safe to reason that a mechanical component of your automobile is the problem.

6. You will find your "tire thump" is due to a tire that is out of balance, "cupping" or poor shocks. If it is not the tire, it will be the fault of a mechanical component. Whatever the case may be, you will be in a better position to solve the problem after performing the proper inspection and/or test.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to prevent "thumping" tires, perform a visual inspection of your tires. If the front treads show small areas of "cupping," where the tread will not be consistent or the tread will appear worn, rotate the tires. Standing at the back of your vehicle, your spare is moved to the right-back tire location; the right-back tire is moved to the left-front position; the left-front tire is moved to the left-back position; the left-back tire is moved to the right-front position, and, lastly, the right-front tire becomes your spare tire. If "cupping" has occurred in your front tires, generally there is a mis-alignment in the front suspension system.
• If the "thumping" sound persists even with all your tires inflated to 50 lbs. of pressure, it may be safe to reason that a mechanical component of your automobile is the problem. At this point, you should take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
• Another cause of "tire thump" or front wheels that shimmy a bit, are worn shock absorbers. Bad shock absorbers cause rear wheels to bounce over bumps and spin while airborne. The rubber thus erodes off the tread of the tire when reaching the ground.