Rear End Noise

[Rgpmalibu]

I have a banging sound coming from the trunk area when I go over bumps, and it's driving me crazy because it's about the last of my rattles.. I've had it since I got the car on the road. It's not the gas tank or rear bumper, but it sounds like the noise is coming from the trunk lid. The sheet metal right between the front of the trunk and the rear window seems really flimsy. When I hit a bump, it sounds like someone is pounding their first on the trunk. I'm thinking that the narrow panel between the trunk and the rear window needs to be reinforced. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm not even sure that I've identified the problem, but I think I have.

 

[bracketchev1221]

I had an issue on my 70 Nova, and it was the trunk spring rods that ran across between the hinges. They were hitting against each other. There was a small piece of rubber hose that was supposed to get between where they touched that had moved. I don't remember if the malibus have the same setup, I sold mine end of last summer and don't have one to look at.

 

[Rgpmalibu]

I had an issue on my 70 Nova, and it was the trunk spring rods that ran across between the hinges. They were hitting against each other. There was a small piece of rubber hose that was supposed to get between where they touched that had moved. I don't remember if the malibus have the same setup, I sold mine end of last summer and don't have one to look at.

Thanks Bracket, I dealt with that a while ago, put some rubber hose on there. Unfortunately, it didn't help the issue.

 

[Ribbedroof]

I have in the past seen the trunk filler panel have the screw holes cracked and or rusted out at the back edge. That would allow it to rattle. The banging noise in mine is because when they bent up the tail pipes and installed them they were installed too far back and under a lot of compression they’re banging the front of the axle tubes

 

[Rgpmalibu]

I have in the past seen the trunk filler panel have the screw holes cracked and or rusted out at the back edge. That would allow it to rattle. The banging noise in mine is because when they bent up the tail pipes and installed them they were installed too far back and under a lot of compression they’re banging the front of the axle tubes

Hmmm. This might be something.

 

[Rgpmalibu]

I have in the past seen the trunk filler panel have the screw holes cracked and or rusted out at the back edge. That would allow it to rattle. The banging noise in mine is because when they bent up the tail pipes and installed them they were installed too far back and under a lot of compression they’re banging the front of the axle tubes

Is there something that you did to spot what was going on? What did you do to fix the issue, if anything?

 

[Rt Jam]

Go for a ride in the trunk.

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

Did you change anything regarding the upper control arms? Maybe something there is loose or making contact.

 

[86LK]

years ago I actually had a rear shock mount on the car I owned rip free. that is, the shock was still bolted in but the mounting point on the body, the welded-in pocket , the welds broke free. make sure nothing like that has happened.
otherwise, put your cell phone on video record, mount it in the trunk, and start driving to see if anything is flying loose.

 

[SS_Malibu]

years ago I actually had a rear shock mount on the car I owned rip free. that is, the shock was still bolted in but the mounting point on the body, the welded-in pocket , the welds broke free. make sure nothing like that has happened.
otherwise, put your cell phone on video record, mount it in the trunk, and start driving to see if anything is flying loose.

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

Go for a ride in the trunk.

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