Thumping Rattle noise from Back

[RIP]

Most write in about front end noises. I'm an oddball with a back end noise. Three weeks ago I started hearing a thumping rattle noise from the back anytime I hit the slightest bump. Can't swear to it but, I think it's coming from the rear drivers side. I've jacked it up and checked the shocks, leafsprings, bumper, fuel tank, wheels, and spare tire. I pulled the seats out and still heard it. The tire jack was secure. The liftgate seems secure. I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions?

96 GC 3.8ltr 190K miles

[KManiac]

I suggest you check your exhaust system for loose or broken hangers. I know it runs along the passenger side, but what you describe sounds like a loose exhaust system. Check it out and let us know what you find.

[RIP]

Already did, just forgot to include it in the post. All the hangers are in good shape and when I sway it back and forth or up and down it doesn't appear to hit anything. Thanks for the input though.

[KManiac]

Sounds like you covered the entire underside of your van. One remote possiblity that did come to mind, though, is to check the contents of the rear armrest storage compartments. When you have little kids like mine (7 year old son and 5 year old daughter), you can get an interesting collection of things in these compartments. Even my wife and teen-age daughter put some weird things in the van. Good luck investigating and let us know what you find.

[onerchprk]

Check the sliding doors...I had the rattle on mine..

[earlyrizr]

you checked the exhaust hangers and such,but is it possible that either the inside of the cat. or muffler has seperated and is banging inside itself?rubber mallet to them should tell you the condition.How about removing the spare and driving with the rear hatch open to see if any change?And what if you sat back there and had someone else drive it and try to isolate it better.

[RIP]

Great ideas. I'll check them out tomorrow.

[jodiz]

I was hearing similar noises for about a week and I couldn't figure the out. It was driving me crazy until I checked the jack compartment, on the driver side in my 98 Caravan. I read you used the jack but in my case, the long bolt that secures the jack was not tightening enough. It was damaged. Replaced it and noises were gone.

[RIP]

I'm declaring it fixed. The short answer is even though all the plastic "keepers" were in place on the forward plastic wheel well liner on the drivers side, it apparently loosened up after 11 years of wear and tear and shifted just enough to hit the adjacent metal structure. To check it I wedged it in place with a couple wood shims and low and behold the noise was gone. Shot a couple rivits where needed and now the noise is gone for good. Thanks again for your suggestions. Cheers!