96 wagon noise in rear cargo

[himie298]

I have a klunk in the rear cargo area , I replaced the sway bar link and it's still there. I can hear it when I hit a good size bump or on gravel road. I sound like something is lose in the trunk. I empied out the back of the wagon including the trunk and spare tire area. the exaust is not loose and has all hangers. any help??

[Supurban]

Double check the sway bar at all four mounting points - two on the body and two at the endlinks. My uncle had a bushing squeeze out from the bracket after hopping a curb at highway speeds.

Also, you'll want to make sure the struts are holding up okay. I replaced mine at 90K miles since they didn't dampen at all - you could push and pull them to any position you want. A worn strut is quite likely to have lots of play as it continues to degrade.

Other random possibilities:
Driveshaft - input into the rear diff
Rear Axles - more like clicking
Rear Calipers - maybe something wasn't tightened correctly?

[BlueRoo'02]

You said you got the spare tire but did you get the jack from the side (in the little side door?) That was the culprit once for me, just needed to be tightened.. Goodluck!

[Supurban]

Originally Posted by BlueRoo'02

You said you got the spare tire but did you get the jack from the side (in the little side door?) That was the culprit once for me, just needed to be tightened.. Goodluck!

Good point. I'd also check to make sure nothing ELSE ending up in the spare tire well or that jack compartment (tools, kids toys, loose change).

[himie298]

What about the rubber bumper on the strut shaft? could this be worn loose or missing?

[Hesam]

Do you keep your chihuahua in the back?! JK
Ask someone to lay on the back cargo, then drive at 25mph over a rough road and have the back-guy listen and find the exact source. That's the cheapest way to find out.