mysterious rear suspension rattle

[wtousand]

I've got a '94 escort 4 dr that has developed an apparent suspension rattle from, I think, the rear drivers side. Had it up on a lift twice and can't find a darn thing loose. Wheel and bearings are solid. Links are tight. Nothing loose in the trunk either.

I would describe it as a medium loud thuddering while moving on any slightly irregular surface. I have been able to see a shuddering of the trailing link while bouncing the car on the driveway but the link was OK after I removed it for inspection. I think it might be the strut shaft itself but I can't pry it or move it other than compression. Any other ideas or similar experiences??

Thanks,
Wes

[GTP Dad]

Use some spray lubricant (silicone works best) on all the bushings and see what happens. I had a similar problem with my 99 and after lubricating the rubber bushings it was quite again. I had originally thought a wheel bearing was going bad.

[wtousand]

Thanks GTP,

Good idea. I'll try it. It did cross my mind that the reason the link shuddered was that the rubber bushing was skittering as it slightly rotated in the outer shell.

Guess I'm more used to these things normally squeaking when they are dry, but what you say makes a lot of sense.