Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

[Heywood]

'98 v6 firebird, 82k miles...
Couple weeks ago I started hearing a single *clunk* sound from the driver's side rear when 1) making turns at over 10 mph, 2) going over small bumps, and 3) going over small, rolling hills. Also (for a long time now) my passenger side rear has been really creaky/squeaky, as in the slightest up/down movement of the back end causes noise (up close, sounds like rubber twisting or binding). I took it to the local shop and they took a look at it, test drove it, and said they "can't see anything broken" in the rear suspension but the shocks (original) are "probably starting to go bad." I said I'd think about it and get another opinion.

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to suspension, but I do know it's not my axle "bottoming out" due to my rotted out bump stops (different sound & under different conditions, but I'll still replace them). So what could cause either of the sounds I'm hearing? Bushings? (In one thread someone said bushings should only be replaced if they're obviously visibly bad, and someone else said replace them if they're old, yet another person said grease them ).

Also, what are the symptoms of bad rear shocks? Would they be really stiff or really soft? I haven't noticed any changes in the handling, although I've only had the car for its last 7k miles...

[ssms5411]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

Sounds like time for new rear shocks, and also grease the rear sway bar bushings and endlinks or replace them too.

[Hib Halverson]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

The clunking was addressed in the second post. As for the squeaking/creaking, fold the back seat down. You'll see two carpet flaps at the front top of the rear wheel wells. fold them back, remove the sponge insulation you may find and you'll see the upper shock mounts.

Inspect them to see if the rubber isolator has deteriorated.

Then remove the shocks to inspect the other isolator which is under the bodywork but at the top of the shock.

Replace the isolators as necessary.

[Watazz]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

It may be the LCA's or the shocks. I put poly swaybar links in mine along with J&M LCA rod ends on the axel. All seemed to make the clunking worse. However my shocks are stock so thats what im going to go with.

[ancona46]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

i have the exact same thing but in the front and rear... nothing looks worn on mine either so my guess is the shocks

[Heywood]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

Sorry I left this thread hanging.

The clunking was addressed in the second post. As for the squeaking/creaking, fold the back seat down. You'll see two carpet flaps at the front top of the rear wheel wells. fold them back, remove the sponge insulation you may find and you'll see the upper shock mounts.

Inspect them to see if the rubber isolator has deteriorated.

Then remove the shocks to inspect the other isolator which is under the bodywork but at the top of the shock.

Replace the isolators as necessary.

I don't have the means to remove the shocks to look at those isolators, but I did peel back the carpeting behind the seats. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but all I found was a rubber gasket looking thing, about 2 inches wide and a foot or so from the spare tire jack, mounted flat into the metal under the carpeting that covers the flat deck in the trunk space (if that description makes sense). I couldn't pull the carpeting any further off without doing some serious interior panel removal, and I didn't find anything else resembling what could be a "shock mount." (Again, I'm a newbie at this.) The rubber looked fine, no deterioration at all.

I think I'm going to go ahead and get a shop to replace the rear shocks with Bilstein HDs. As for rear sway bar bushings and end links, what manufacturer/model of those parts do you all recommend? For what it's worth, my goal for my rear suspension is a good balance between handling and comfort (close to stock), so I think poly bushings are out of the question as they make for a stiff ride, no?

My dad's paying for whatever suspension work I need done, so if there are any other bushings worth replacing I might as well do it now. Ideas? Recommendations of part manufacturer/model with internet links?

Thanks a ton for all your input!

[Heywood]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

bump.... I'm hoping to get this work done ASAP, before i drive it up to the carlisle spring show next week.

[ACiFiC]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

I too have a driver side clunk... but for some reason my spring was rubbing something. so i moved it, but now its something else

[Watazz]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

If youre axle is leaking it's probably bent. Mine was and made a lot of noise

[Heywood]

Re: Driver-side rear "clunk" when turning or going over small bumps

I hate to bump stuff on these forums, but I trust you all too much and I don't wanna screw these repairs up lol

I don't have the means to remove the shocks to look at those isolators, but I did peel back the carpeting behind the seats. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but all I found was a rubber gasket looking thing, about 2 inches wide and a foot or so from the spare tire jack, mounted flat into the metal under the carpeting that covers the flat deck in the trunk space (if that description makes sense). I couldn't pull the carpeting any further off without doing some serious interior panel removal, and I didn't find anything else resembling what could be a "shock mount." (Again, I'm a newbie at this.) The rubber looked fine, no deterioration at all.

I think I'm going to go ahead and get a shop to replace the rear shocks with Bilstein HDs. As for rear sway bar bushings and end links, what manufacturer/model of those parts do you all recommend? For what it's worth, my goal for my rear suspension is a good balance between handling and comfort (close to stock), so I think poly bushings are out of the question as they make for a stiff ride, no?

My dad's paying for whatever suspension work I need done, so if there are any other bushings worth replacing I might as well do it now. Ideas? Recommendations of part manufacturer/model with internet links?

Thanks a ton for all your input!