HELP! Knocking sound under my car when brakes are applied

[DannyBP]

I have an '88 camaro- When i apply the brakes (while moving) or when i switch my car into reverse-a LOUD knocking sound comes from the undercarriage of my car,
i poked around a bit to try and figure out whats making the sound, and there is a long bar that reaches to the rear axle its tapers off near the rear and the end is set in a kind of harness (i guess)

heres a diagram: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13...ng/problem.bmp


but i dont know if something is missing on the end of that bar - i dont think its supposed to be lose like that, and i am positive that is the cause of the noise, what is that bar called?
PLEASE help.

[ct91rs]

It looks like your referring to the torque arm. It runs along side the driveshaft from the transmission to the rear axle, and the part that you say pivots should be anchored to the side of the trans. If the front of the torque arm is not connected I would strongly suggest parking the car until you fix it.