problems for a cavalier

Hello all. I have a 2001 Chevy cavalier. just bought it. the vehicle rides down the road very nice. real smooth. but seems like when I hit a big bump or pot hole it makes this wierd noise. I am going to try to explain it.

it is kind of like if you were taking a metal object and kind of rattling it around other metal objects. but it only happens when i hit the bigger bumps.

Personally I think it is the shock that maybe out? I have to be honest I am no mechanic. I can change starters alternators belts oil and things of that nature. but I have not been underneath this car yet to check things out. any one have any suggestions on what I shoould be looking for?

thanks to any one that helps.

Stryker

Maybe I can lend some help. If it is a shock, you'll be able to tell by pushing down REAL HARD each corner of the car (like your trying to bounce it) and see if the shocks stablalize it quickly.

In other words, when you stop bouncing the corner, the shock should stop the car from bouncing right away.

If it continues to bounce, the shock is bad. You will need to replace the pair (never one at a time).

If that seems okay, simply look under the car to see if possibly a shock came loose... grab it with your hand and wiggle it. Check the mounting at the top and bottom.

If none of these tips help, then, like you, I don't know what else it could be.

Good luck.

where does this noise come from?? i've seen a lot of noise rear struts on cavies. if it's in the front end check the balljoints, front struts. note: any struts that are leaking oil are shot. make sure all the front subframe bolts are tight and check the motor mounts especially the lower ones the've been known to get bent and make wierd noises.

Hey guys thanks for the suggestions. I did try checking to see if it was the shocks and seems like the car stabalized very quickly. so ruled that out. guess the only other thing it could be is the strut. I have a buddy from Alex that I know take a look at it and he said it was the Strut barring? he has been a mechanic all his life so I am going to take his word for it. instead of replacing the barring I think I am going to replace the whole strut. any one think that is a stupid idea???

I think my buddy said it would cost me about $125 for just the barring and I know I can get a "slightly used" strut for way cheaper then that. we'll see how it goes.

thanks again