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Thread: clunking noise come from rear when i go over mild bumps

  1. #1
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    clunking noise come from rear when i go over mild bumps

    sounds like a metal to metal contact. like a metal ball being rattled in a tin can. it comes and goes and only notice it over mild bumps in the road. what could it be? rear control arm bushing?

  2. #2
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    Check your spare tire compartment for loose tools/ jack/ lug wrench.

    A little funny story I'll share along these lines: I recently helped a friend troubleshoot a pulsating thumping noise in his rear suspension of his BMW X5. I sat in the back seat and once he was over 60mph it would start making the noise. I immediately with a smile on my face told him to get off the freeway and pull over. I get out, reach under the back of the car and find some windage plastic panels and start thumping one mimicing the sound- he looks and says that's it. It was a panel flapping in the wind under the car with a fastener broken. A ziptie quickly fixed what he thought was the air ride system rubbing on a tire or something when the system lowered automatically at speed.
    Last edited by Vetruck; 08-31-2015 at 09:54 PM.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vetruck View Post
    Check your spare tire compartment for loose tools/ jack/ lug wrench.

    A little funny story I'll share along these lines: I recently helped a friend troubleshoot a pulsating thumping noise in his rear suspension of his BMW X5. I sat in the back seat and once he was over 60mph it would start making the noise. I immediately with a smile on my face told him to get off the freeway and pull over. I get out, reach under the back of the car and find some windage plastic panels and start thumping one mimicing the sound- he looks and says that's it. It was a panel flapping in the wind under the car with a fastener broken. A ziptie quickly fixed what he thought was the air ride system rubbing on a tire or something when the system lowered automatically at speed.

    it must be great finding a problem quickly without having to spend money at the dealership which will rip you off by the hour!
    quick and cheap fix is the best solution!

  4. #4
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    I wish it was only something bouncing around in the trunk. Iit deffinetley is something with the suspension. Coming from the passenger side rear wheel. I even noticed sometimes when I go as slow a 2mph I would here the click/clunking noise as the wheel would rotate. It would make the noise in a pattern. Maybe its a wheel bearing?

  5. #5
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    Check to see if your shock is completely tightened. That happened to me once.
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Denlasoul View Post
    Check to see if your shock is completely tightened. That happened to me once.
    tes, that or a sway bar end link are generally the two culprits.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by adge_dre View Post
    I wish it was only something bouncing around in the trunk. Iit deffinetley is something with the suspension. Coming from the passenger side rear wheel. I even noticed sometimes when I go as slow a 2mph I would here the click/clunking noise as the wheel would rotate. It would make the noise in a pattern. Maybe its a wheel bearing?
    If it is making a pattern (consistent with speed) then check and see if the noise comes and goes as you apply a little brake pressure then release. Also check the flex joints and driveshaft/half shafts for clearance issues. You will see shiny spots on them if making contact somewhere. Have to look thoroughly and slowing- this takes time to inspect correctly. Don't just quickly look and think its all ok. Generally when noises like this happen it is from age in parts/bushings etc allowing for movement or shifting in positions of parts alignments.

  8. #8
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    OK I'll have a thourough look next time I get the chance to go under the car. And a little off topic but... My car is lowered and darty. I want to fix it but don't know if I'll ever fork up $450 bucks for the KMAC bushings. Any other alternatives?

  9. #9
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    Unfortunately no.

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