Rear Suspension noise...running out of idea's

scottsubarus · #1 10-02-2009, 05:40 AM

Noise in rear is two fold...

clunking rattling noise over choppy roads, parking lots slow speeds.

squeaking noise same conditions as above, but can be made to do it just by getting in/out of the car or pressing down on rear bumper.

Whats been done so far?

Front/rear stabilizer bushings
rear struts were replaced anyway 5yrs ago with OE cause they were blown anyway.
rear strut mount bushings
"15 minute mod" to rear cradle mounts
Dr. side rear link kit replaced cause bushing was bad.

Squeak noise sounds like a 70's era car with control arm bushings that are bad.

What else to try or check? noises are getting worse.

Scott/Omaha

SomethingElse · #2 10-02-2009, 06:25 AM

Does it sound like its right at the top of the rear shelf? If its as loud as your descreption it probably is.

make sure the strut bolts are tight going into the strut mounts. I had a car with all new stuff making noise and the guy who did the work didnt tighten center bolts down well enough...it sounded worse than it did with no rear strut mounts.

scottsubarus · #3 10-02-2009, 06:28 AM

The strut mounts were just done within the past 6 mos and noise didn't change(the clunking) at all.

The squeaking it what driving me crazy since it's so easy to duplicate and getting worse.

Maxo · #4 10-02-2009, 07:00 AM

Are your new bushing greased well? Poly bushings in particular squeak if not properly lubed.
Also, if you have the original rims the rattle could be the center caps. I've seen this before and it's very annoying.

If the rattle is sorta like a metallic jingle then you need to tighten your strut mount top nut.