Rear End Noise

[Rgpmalibu]

All good suggestions. I'm got to check this weekend because it's supposed to rain all weekend. I'll get the wife to ride in the trunk. She has better hearing than I do.

 

[SS_Malibu]

My wife is very supportive of my automotive fun However, your wife is over the top supportive if she rides in the trunk to listen for the noise. Be sure to drive over railroad tracks and speed bumps.

 

[Rktpwrd]

Also check your rear framerail bushings and bolts. I have a broken bolt on one in OldsCool that manifests itself every once in a while over bumps.

 

[86LK]

Like this? This was the banging I all the sudden started hearing from my Malibu.


Hopefully without your hands tied behind your back and no duct tape over your mouth.

mine happened back in the late 80s. more like this...the upper bracket pocket was spotwelded in at the factory on top of the wheelwell area. the
shock bolted to the hole in the bracket at the top. a month later, it literally popped the bracket-pocket off inside the vehicle under the interior plastic trim, breaking the spotwelds.
I get rid of that beater a few months later.

 

[Rgpmalibu]

I replaced all the body bushings last fall hoping that would get rid of the problem. It didn't. Last night I went for a drive and I think I may have it narrowed down to that thin metal panel that is screwed in forward of the trunk lid. I think it's rattling and the trunk is amplifying the sound. I took it off last fall when I primed the car and I don't think it's on tight. Might try to get something underneath it to deaden the sound. I'll also get under the car and check shock mounts. Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted.

 

[64nailhead]

You have to start eliminating things. Check all of the rear suspension with a pry bar. Drive with the truck taped down with a towel in the seal area.

And make sure your wheels are tight

If you get the wife to ride in the trunk - it didn’t happen unless we get pic or vid documentation.

 

[Rgpmalibu]

You have to start eliminating things. Check all of the rear suspension with a pry bar. Drive with the truck taped down with a towel in the seal area.

And make sure your wheels are tight

If you get the wife to ride in the trunk - it didn’t happen unless we get pic or vid documentation.

Thanks, I didn't think about using the prybar on the suspension. I'll get the *ss end up in the air and go through it all.