Rear bottoming out

[Speed04]

Alright, here's my problem. Everytime I would go over the train tracks here in town, it sounds like the rear suspension is bottoming out. I get this loud metal "clunk" noise. So I took it to a shop to be looked at, and they said just get new shocks, which I did. However, it still makes the noise still. And I could understand when I've got 4 guys in the car, but even by myself it does it while "creeping" over the tracks. So I was wondering if the springs are gone or what might be going on. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks!

[zlexiss]

You sure you're bottoming out? Might be something else, like the exhaust banging against the frame - check for loose hangars.

If you really think it's the exhaust, try sticking a little piece of putty to the the bump stops - if they get flattened after you drive over the tracks, they made contact with the suspension. If not, your problem lies elsewhere.

-Jeff

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

Try the putty thing.. thats good advice..

typically bottoming out your rear suspension is not something that you just "hear" its something you feal.. and hear..

[Ian]

mine did the EXACT same thing.

train tracks, big potholes, etc. it would bang.

i put chalk on the bump stops above the axel, drove around till it did it, went back and sure enough, the chalk transfered to the axel. i thought "shocks, right?"

nope, it was my lower control arm. grab yours and wiggle them back and forth.

i think i put a writeup on my website on how i did it.

hope this helps.

[camarofan]

I'd place my money on the rear springs. My car did the same thing. Had a severe thump when I went over speedbumps or any type of dip while under acceleration. It seems most shops are quick to blame shocks. Shocks will give a better ride but do not in any way affect ride height.

Basically, as the rear springs wear the ride height lessens and creates even more strain on the shocks as they can't operate through their optimal range. The springs are sagging and creating less space between the bumpstops and the axle. The shocks as a result are already semi-compressed and when hitting bumps have less time to pressurize and stiffen the movement so the car bottoms out on itself.

When I replaced my rear springs, I gained about half an inch of height, which is considerable. Half an inch doesn't seem like much, but it's the resistance of the spring being compressed that counts.

Hope this helps some and doesn't seem too lecturish, just hate shops that automatically blame shocks. They were probably worn yes, but new shocks will wear just as quick without a supportive spring.

[Speed04]

That's what I've been thinking too. I've heard quite a few people say that replacing the springs would make all the difference. I was wondering where would I get springs and what kind? Also, could I put these on myself with typical home garage tools or something I should have done by a shop. Thanks for the help guys.

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

....

have you tryed the putty thing yet??

dont just go replacing springs.. figure out the problem then fix it.. dont just guess..

[Ian]

have you checked your LCA's?

my rear was bottoming out until i found my LCA broken, like i mentioned.

[Speed04]

I just got home from school for the break last night, so now I can get under my car and really look around and check stuff. Upon looking, my bumpstops are rotted out and pretty much gone, so that explains the noise. However, I tried the putty thing, and it's still flattening the putty pretty good. I don't think my LCA's are broken, cause they seem pretty solid and don't move any. But one thing I could move was the springs. Just using my hand, I could move them back and forth almost a quarter inch. I'm not sure if this is typical, but I figured with the car sitting on the ground, there'd be alittle pressure on them. So that's why I'm thinking it might be springs. Sorry to keep pesting about this, but this is the best resource I've found. Thanks again for the help.