My car has a strange noise coming from the rear of the car. When I hit a bump a certain way (it is very specific, usually the front right tire and more like a dip then a bump) the rear suspension makes a clunking, popping sound. If I put my hand on the rear seat pan I can feel the noise through the floor. It feels like something may be hitting the bottom. I don't have much experience with the rear suspension on these cars, so any pointer/suggestions would be helpful.

 

ttt

 

check to torque arm bushing on the transmission, it may be broken, wasted, or missing. also make sure the panhard bar, behind the rear axle and running side to side, its mounted on the left rear of the axle and the right side of the body. make sure it is attached.

 

Might also check your sway bar endlinks. If one is busted the 2 ends can can be hooking on each other the popping free causing alot of noise.

 

Another possibility is, the upper shock mount on the side that makes the noise, is punched out of the floor pan.

 

OK, thanks for the pointers. I will check tomorrow after work and get back to you.


Sofa, hope you're wrong! lol
I had a v6 parts firebird that had that exact problem... The seam on the drivers side was completely demolished. I didnt notice any problems when I did the interior swap, but then again, I wasn't looking.


I know the rear sway bar is good... I put it in myself, because the berlinetta's don't have them (weird). It is only about a year old, and the links are energy suspension. Hopefully they are still good. I will double check
Thanks!

 

I shook the car today and crawled under it.

The noise is coming from the axle internally. If I lay my hand on the rims I can feel the axle popping. It happens when the car is shaken horizontally.


I have never worked on a solid rear axle before and don't know much. I assume the outer bearings are fubar.

Let me know thanks for the replies so far.

 

Sounds like you lost a rear wheel bearing. If you don`t have a good manual you may want to get one or check the search feature on this site on how to remove it and reinstall it. There is usually more to it than pulling the axle, removing the old bearing and pressing on a new one. Don`t drive it until you fix it, you could damage the bearing race beyond repair.

 

That ship has probably already sailed.

It didnt sound like a bearing to me so I just let it go.
I may be in the market for a new rear end.

 

I just spoke to my mechanic.

He listened while I rocked the car and said that it is completely normal. There is some side play in the axles because of the way they are put together (c clips)


So, I am still looking for the source of the noise. I will let you guys know!

 

Might pull the cover and look for anything out of specs.

 

Could you please advertise items for sale on the (Parts for sale) board. This is a tech only board, and posting "For Sale" items is not allowed. You will get more replies over there as well. Thanks.

 

Another update:

The car doesn't make the noise when it has a full tank. The noise seems to be coming from the shock area. I will pull the carpet tomorrow and take a look at the shock mount. I am hoping it is something stupid.

 

Pulled the rear carpet out.


Shock mount and everything is intact. I can feel the noise resonating through thte shock and floor when it happens.

My mechanic saaid I can use the lift next weekend. Updates to follow.