thumping sound in rear 1994 Taurus

[kebersole]

I just bought my sisters 1994 Taurus. There is a rythmic rumbling noise coming from the rear. It sounds like a flat tire but isn't. It coincides with the tire rotation. I can't 'feel' anything but it REALLY sounds like a bad tire. Both rear tires are in good condition, etc. My sister said the noise has been going on for more than a year and may have started after she had the rotors replaced. Any ideas?

[86TATpi]

I would look over the rear brakes first, maybe you have some drag. Also look at the wheel bearings.

[joe92k1500]

Sounds like a bad tire to me also. Also, have the alignment checked at a reputable shop that wont sell you suspension parts you dont need. Bad alignment will cause a tire to wear bad ( sometimes not real noticeable visually) and get really loud.

[kebersole]

OK - I had a friend listen to the 'thumping noise' and he said he can feel the vibration on the passenger side - said it was more like a cyclical humming vibration - conincides with the rotation of the whell/tire - definitely more noticable when the car is just floating. He said it could be something with the drive shaft - I don't think he knows anything more than I do. What do you think??

[Willyum]

A Taurus has the drive shafts connected to the front wheels. 86TATpi told you straight. Jack that corner up and rotate the wheel to see what you hear.

[mwt]

I had a 94Gl with the same sound. Mine was the wheel bearing.
Mike

[kebersole]

As it turns out, the rear struts were replaced just before I bought the car. They old ones must have been really bad resulting in 'flat spots' on inside of both rear tires creating the odd thumping/slapping sounds and slight wobble. Had new tires put on and the wheels aligned - I'll pick it up today and let you know the results.

[Taurus8702]

Had similar noises from the rear of my "02. Also tire related, and was due to improper rotation, or worn out rear struts. Good Luck.

[vicv]

97 sable, same thing. Rotated the tire to the front, sound moved to the front. Put it back to the rear, sound now in rear. My call is a flat spot on the tire. Lots of tread left so I'll live with the noise until I have the $$ for 2 new skins.