Popping Noise From Rear of Car

[RallyEclipse98]

Thanks for stopping by my thread!

So when I'm cruising down the highway I'll occasionally come across railroad tracks. I'll slow down to about 40mph, go over them, and then get a sqeaking/popping noise from the drivers side rear for the next few miles. For the next couple of miles every tiny bump I hit is accompanied by a quiet pop. After a few miles, the sound is gone until I hit another set of pesky railroad tracks. Dang you, Nebraska!

The pops are not loud. So quiet in fact I thought maybe it was an interior panel squeaking against another. I inspected the hatch area and everything is tight.

When I was at the rear of the car, I pushed down on the back of the car and I could replicate the sound.

It's like a pop/click when I softly bounce the car in the back.

CV boots seem free of tears. The Ebrake only holds when I pull it up really firmly. Doesn't stick. Rotors/pads in great shape. Wheel bearings smooth and free of play. What else could it be... shock or spring?

I've searched around. Seems to be CV joints causing people the same issue. Posting here on 'Tuners may reveal some platform-specific problem I've not yet heard about.

Car is stock 2g with 167k. Stock suspension minus recalled CV joints up front.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[Insane20]

Did you try laying under it while some one rocks the car?

 

[RallyEclipse98]

Did you try laying under it while some one rocks the car?

I'm all alone!

Not a bad idea though once I get someone over here.

 

[luv2rallye]

Check control arms bushings and ball joints. Wiggle as hard as you can to check for movement. If don't see anything you'll probably have to watch while someone rocks it for you.

 

[fisher83]

You can also check the struts...make sure the nuts are all tightened down to the strut towers. Also check the bushings and sleeve for your struts.....

 

[Steve93Talon]

Check the sway bar end links, those are notorious for making noises when they wear.