rattle like towing an empty trailer

Self explanatory title i hope ! 110 station wagon with roofrack and ladder

Came on recently, audible even with windows shut but very clear when windows are open.

when going over bumps and potholes on road, sounds like underneath at rear. Rear shocks are the only thing that has any movement but I cannot find anything else loose and I cannot recreate the noise from underneath.

I have pulled and tugged at roofrack, ladder, rear step, tree sliders, spare wheel, exhaust and all seems secure.

More noticeable when going through a line of pot holes than over speed humps.

It really does sound just like towing an empty trailer as it bounces around!

a long shot I know but any ideas?

should i be able to rotate both rear shocks forward and back a bit (at the bottom)?

thanks in advance

mike

Yes you can spin the dampers round.

It could be an a frame ball joint, maybe a trailing arm bush. It's hard to guess at to be honest. It could be something stupid like a rock stuck on the chassis.

Always hard from a description, but two things that occured to me are:

1) Exhaust mounting

2) Load space floor pan (but unlikely would suddenly start making a noise if it hasn't before)

re: your rear shosks question - james martin will be along soon with the answer

Station House said:

Always hard from a description, but two things that occured to me are:

1) Exhaust mounting

2) Load space floor pan (but unlikely would suddenly start making a noise if it hasn't before)

re: your rear shosks question - james martin will be along soon with the answer

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:hysterically_laughi:behindsofa:

thanks for the lightening fast replies guys,

i didn't think it was the shocks because both rotate the same amount.

A frame ball joint is a possibility as they have not been changed, 2005 model but only 40k miles

mrdsgs said:

thanks for the lightening fast replies guys,

i didn't think it was the shocks because both rotate the same amount.

A frame ball joint is a possibility as they have not been changed, 2005 model but only 40k miles

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The fact it is 2005 helps rule out a few things. I wouldn't expect panels to be loose on a 2005 etc.

mrdsgs said:

thanks for the lightening fast replies guys,

i didn't think it was the shocks because both rotate the same amount.

A frame ball joint is a possibility as they have not been changed, 2005 model but only 40k miles

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Ball joint is usually more of a clunk if that sounds like it.

A-frame ball joint should have plenty more miles in it but easy enough to check with a crow bar ... there shouldn't be any movement in the joint. Also worth checking the rear prop for any movement and funnily enough the hand-brake drum as this can seize inside and cause a rumbling type sound (mine did).

rear roll bar ball joints would be my first thought if fitted,rear shockers need bushes ,as will if hasnt already wear hole oval,should be very tight ,can be repaired if oval with 12mm flat washer welding in

Dust shields on brake discs or heat shield from exhaust.

thanks guys i will check underneath again to rule out what I can

definitely a rattle/vibrate rather than a rumble!

no rear roll bar.

I cannot recreate the sound by swinging on it, bouncing rear corners etc.

Handling seems unaffected so more of an irritation thana proper problem but my ocd will not let me just "live with it" !!!

thanks again

mike

dust shields on brake discs are rigid and tight, will check exhaust heat shield

Has it happened since you've been off road or is it just a road car?

heat shield is fine, definitely a vibration/rattle noise, think or visualise towing a small and light trailer that bounces and rattles because of the lack of weight, it really is just like that.

It sounds more like something has worked loose or developed some play rather than broken.

Mild off road use in the past but the noise started in the last few days, road use only, but lots of speed humps and pot holes.

I may be getting paranoid but there is a fair bit of vibration through steering and gear lever around 55mph, i think that has always been there but maybe there is a connection, it clears about 60mph all based on motorway driving when the rattle issue does not happen because the roads are smooth!

cooper discover stt tyres, been on for 30k miles

The fact you can drive through the vibration sounds like wheel balancing but I don't see how that would be making the noise you describe.

Mine rattles just the same. Sounds like it's coming from the rear. All arms/suspension tight, so will check heat shield/brake shields.

I did wonder if the cat matrix had broken and was rattling?

Dont worry to much... what ever it is will drop off in a few days Do you have a sensible friend who would be willing to hang out of the rear door while you bobble along? M6 southbound NOT recommended!

Erm, you don't happen to have a small empty trailer on the tow-ball do you?








Sorry - couldn't resist it, I did try. I'll get my coat and leave now.

Clanforbes said:

Erm, you don't happen to have a small empty trailer on the tow-ball do you?








Sorry - couldn't resist it, I did try. I'll get my coat and leave now.

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:hysterically_laughi

shock bushes