Noisy in rear on bumps...Help..

[Jordan#1]

In the past few weeks the rear end has been making a few noises when driving over bumpy surfaces especialy when driving over a speedbump or an uneven surface. Just hitting a bump makes alot of noise. More than normal when I first bought the car. The noise is a groaning/clunk sound that emits from the rear over a bump on the return of the spring. Most likely in the strut area. I'm thinking that maybe the rubber strut mount is worn out, maybe a rubber bushing may be worn out in the rear suspension or at least in that area. I would like to have this resolved so that I may be driving in peace and quiet.

Also is it an easy job taking the strut assembly off the car because I was told to try greasing between the dome and the strut's upper end.

Any opinions? (Not warranty does no cover rear suspension) At least not the extended which I have.

Just for the record this Alero coupe has 62000 km on it.Noisy in rear over bumps. Help...

[SC/TGrandAm]

i would guess maybe strut or a suspension piece loose somewhere.

Also another thing a few of us are having problems with is the exhaust hanger hinges are becoming dry and rattling when going over bumps- just something to check as well :)

[krazyGT]

I would say to either grease it up...or replace the strut...When struts squeak....it USUALLY (not always) means that it has poped or not working properly. Take your tire off and check it out...

[balludc]

i'd suggest checking you brakes... not just pads rotors drums... everything. like SC/TGrandAm said, something may be loose. if you're sure its not your brake system, look over your exhaust. its not uncommon for the brackets to break or become loose enough to rattle.

if those arent the reason... you have the right deal on lubricating the struts... taking the struts out can be a pain, but it's not too difficult. you'll need some extra hands... one other helper would work. you'll need spring compressors though. once you compress the spring, there are 3 or so bolts in the trunk under you carpet holding the strut to the car. the rest of the job is in the fender well. since i have a 95,i'm not positive how much more there is involved with the newer struts (especially rear struts because I have shocks)

good luck!

-derek

[PACE]

DO YOU HAVE REAR STB ?

[illsmokeyou]

check those endlink mounts for the rear sway bar.

my year old problem of a "thumping" sound over bumps, or uneven pavement turned out to be something as simple as the rear drivers side sway bar end link being undertorqued and hitting the chassis