Suspension knocking when driving over bumps - what to check?

Actually, clunking over bumps isn't always the suspension, even though that's the first thing you'd suspect. Most often it's worn-out struts, shock absorbers, or ball joints - those are easiest to check with a mechanic on a lift. Also, it could be loose fender liner fasteners, power steering components, or even random parts rattling around in the wheel wells, so it makes sense to start the car and listen carefully to figure out where exactly the noise is coming from before you go in for diagnostics.