Is this Noise coming from my suspension or trunk/chassis?

[Ajolives]

It's everyone's favorite - what's that noise?

A little background:

- Started noticing it yesterday.
- It sounds like it's coming from inside the trunk/chassis
- Happens only at 25mph and lower on bumpy roads, don't notice it at cruising speeds.
- Typical "clunk" noise, not metallic or "clangy" at all
- No modifications, all parts are OEM.

Things I've done:

- Checked out the suspension today and everything was tight with no broken bolts/bushings that I could see.
- Emptied trunk and cabin - checked for anything loose or broken that would make a noise
- Did the shock test a couple times in the rear with the car on the ground and nothing of note happened.
- Also, I checked the suspension with ramps, so the suspension was loaded.

The only thing I found that concerned me was the passenger rear half shaft's lateral play between the hub and diff felt like it was sticking a little before it would move side to side. The other side flows freely, however that was replaced about 10k mile ago. So it might be an age thing.

My $.02 is I'm leaning towards suspension/chassis because I figure if it was something loose/broken in there it would probably be more sporadic and happen at all speeds.

Anyways, here it is and thanks if you've stuck with me and made it to this point!

[Jack14]

Does it happen when you hit a bump or when you accelerate/decelerate?

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by Jack14

Does it happen when you hit a bump or when you accelerate/decelerate?

When I hit a bump, doesn't matter if I'm accelerating or decelerating. Oddly enough, if I have forward momentum it's not there, but like mentioned earlier, at lower speeds it's more pronounced.

[Jack14]

Get the car up in the air. If something is loose in the suspension you should be able to move it with your hands. How many miles on the car?

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by Jack14

Get the car up in the air. If something is loose in the suspension you should be able to move it with your hands. How many miles on the car?

Too many miles. Found the problem.

[Vuu]

Originally Posted by Ajolives

Too many miles. Found the problem.

I hope my top hats are loose because I'm getting the exact same noise.

It's at any speed but it's more prominent if I'm on an uneven road or driving over the reflectors in the street.

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by Vuu

I hope my top hats are loose because I'm getting the exact same noise.

It's at any speed but it's more prominent if I'm on an uneven road or driving over the reflectors in the street.

I also noticed it going over speed bumps and other dips where the car would articulate from side to side. It also noticing it at higher speeds prior to replacing.

If it's making the same noise then it could very well be the top hat bushings. I did replace all the connecting links prior to the shocks/struts as well, those make a similar sound too. Hope it helps!

[Vuu]

Originally Posted by Ajolives

I also noticed it going over speed bumps and other dips where the car would articulate from side to side. It also noticing it at higher speeds prior to replacing.

If it's making the same noise then it could very well be the top hat bushings. I did replace all the connecting links prior to the shocks/struts as well, those make a similar sound too. Hope it helps!

I actually fixed the issue last night!

Jacked the car up, tightened up the pillow ball bolts at the bottom of my struts, and tightened down the top hats.

Car was smooth and quiet this morning on my commute to work!