'95 coupe, 6sp:
when driving over rough spots in the road I hear a noise that sounds like a rear shock is loose or on that order. I have checked the shocks and springs bolts...everything is tight.

Just looking for suggestions as to where else to look.

Thanks

 

So, you hear like a clunking noise when you hit bumps in the road? Is it a very metallic clunk, or more of a dull noise? It could actually be your U-joints (I've had mine clunk from the sudden backlash of a bump). It could be the bushings in your rear suspension getting bad, but they'd have to be very bad for noises like that. It could also be your ball joints. I know it sounds like it's coming from the rear, but I've been fooled on cars by that before. Basically, just start with the easiest things and work your way up and forward.

 

Yep...it is a clunking noise....more of a dull noise than a sharp metallic noise.
I suspected U-joints, but there are no other symptons, like a clunking or clicking on take-offs or turns. Car does have 112k on it now...and I have no history as to whether the U-joints were ever changed out.

Thanks for the inputs.

 

Sounds like a rear bushing. If they're original, they are way overdue for changing anyway.

 

Mine do the same thing. Its the rear bushings, mine are toast, but being a 96 I can't figure out where the hell to get a kit.

 

Are you referring to the bushings in the rear control arms?

 

It could be any of the rear bushings, but you never replace just one. You get a rear kit and go to town. Figure on a long weekend with some friends.

 

My 85 has had the same noise on the rear right side for years. I finally replaced the four original shocks with bilsteins. The originals were still good but very sot compared to the bilsteins. It actually helped but didn't fix it. It still makes a noise on the right rear behind the door. I removed the spare tire and the noise is still there. (The left rear makes no noise whatsoever). I drove around with the passenger side door open and ... the noise was still there. I had a squeek in the back - eee eee eee eee and found a loose bolt on one of the halfshaft ujoints. I replaced all four ujoints which stopped the squeek but did nothing for the knocking noise. Recently, I pulled the struts off the right side to replace the bushings thinking that may be it and on inspection all the bushings were ok. I replaced them anyway since I had already bought them. I removed the plastic inner fender and looked around for something broken or loose - didn't see anything wrong. I pushed up on the gas tank to see if the straps were loose but it was snug. I don't think there is anything else back there. It makes the noise when driving at a steady speed so its not becuase of a torque reaction on acceleration. ???

As it turns out, I went shopping at home depot for a kitchen sink to fix a completely different problem. I bought a pretty nice kohler cast iron unit - offwhite. (Luckily, I didn't get the stainless unit.) I layed it face down in the rear on a think blanket so it wouldn't slide around. Well, on the way home, the car had no rear clunking/bumping/banging noise whatsoever. It was like a new car. It was quiet with no thumping/knocking. It's fixed!!! But, one of these days I'll have to look at it more closely to see if there is a more elegant solution.