Unusual noise from rear of car

[JAA9579]

My wife's 2000 Alero makes an unusual noise from the rear of the car when driven at slow to cruising speed up to 60mph. It sounds like a rattle or clunking noise when driving over slightly bumpy roads. I had heard somebody make mention of common upper shock/strut mounts on these models being a problem. can anyone verify this. The noise is definitely not the FRONT WHEEL BEARING POP most other cars suffer, nor does it have any driveability problems. 2000 with a 2.4 engine 86K. Thanks in advance..Joe

[pp270]

I can verify that I had this same noise coming from the front and it was the upper strut mount. I purchased the entire coil assembly from a bone yard for $65 and changed out myself. (no nead to compress the coil) I have read on this forum that the rear ones have the same problem. Hope that helps.

[JAA9579]

Originally Posted by pp270

I can verify that I had this same noise coming from the front and it was the upper strut mount. I purchased the entire coil assembly from a bone yard for $65 and changed out myself. (no nead to compress the coil) I have read on this forum that the rear ones have the same problem. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the input, it is definitely worth investigating knowing that others have had the same problems with front as well as rear. I will check out the scrap yards for low mileage wrecks.. Thank you again, I have used this forum for my ranger and now alero.. its a valuable resource, Joe

[pp270]

Any luck hunting down some used strut assemblies? I agree this forum has been a valuable resource for me as well. People have also talked about the bushings on the lower control arms being the casuse of clunking noises in the front when going over bumps. I am not sure if that applies to the rear as well.

[JAA9579]

Originally Posted by pp270

Any luck hunting down some used strut assemblies? I agree this forum has been a valuable resource for me as well. People have also talked about the bushings on the lower control arms being the casuse of clunking noises in the front when going over bumps. I am not sure if that applies to the rear as well.

i have not looked into any used assemblies yet, it is still pretty cold in Connecticut. I will wait for spring and also check the lower control arm bushings for any slop as well. Thanks for your concern..Joe