If your vehicle is showing loud metallic bang when hitting a pothole, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.
When shocks or struts lose their fluid or gas charge, they can no longer dampen impacts. This allows the suspension to violently compress and bottom out metal-to-metal against the chassis.
The sway bar connects the left and right suspension. When its links or bushings wear out, the metal bar can slam against the frame or the link joints can pop loudly over bumps.
Strut mounts contain rubber isolators that cushion the strut against the vehicle body. If the rubber tears or degrades completely, the metal strut shaft will bang directly against the shock tower.
Control arm bushings and ball joints keep the wheels firmly attached to the frame. If the rubber bushing is completely gone or the ball joint has severe play, the metal components will slam together upon impact.
If suspension bolts were not torqued to specification during recent maintenance or alignment, the components will shift violently and slam against their mounting brackets when hitting a pothole.
Coil springs support the weight of the vehicle. In rust-prone areas, a spring can snap, causing the suspension to collapse on that corner and bang loudly over bumps.
Rubber exhaust hangers suspend the exhaust pipe under the car. If they break, the heavy metal exhaust system can swing up and bang against the undercarriage when going over a pothole.