From a start at low speed, and more likely if starting on an incline, I hear a clacking/knocking sound from the driver-side rear of the car--in the wheelwell vicinity. In my searches, it seems it could be a rear arm bushing is bad. Does this sound right? I can not imagine what is causing that sound. The car seems to handle fine, no major mechanical issues in transit.

dan

 

Is it when you are going down hill, backed off the gas, not going very fast, just a few clicks/clacks? I heard like sounds under those conditions, thought it was something in the woods at first, untill it repeated under the same conditions.

 

I don't know what year you have, but I know, at least in the earlier years, that something to do with the latch for the boot caused a sound like that. Does it sound like it's coming from the outside?

 

Don't know about his,but mine('04) sounds like a thump like something in the boot fell over.

 

It sounded like something in the boot fell over; good description. The boot latch is fine (actually had it replaced a few months back). I just recently slapped some Koni FSDs in there with a new sway bar and haven't heard the sound again, yet. I am listening for it though. I talked to some people and the consensus is that the bushings should all be replaced at some point--not just on my car, but on most cars with nearly 100k on them. If I hear it again, I'll post an update...

dan

 

this is the most common source of the the clanks from the wheel well area. The control arm bushing can go that bad, but I've never heard of it on the rear, just the fronts.

Matt

 

What should I look for? I put in an H-Sport rear sway last year. Nothing obviously wrong with end links then.( Had problem before and after this.)
Only does it sometimes not all. Have yet to notice a common move, brake, steering or other thing where I know I'll hear the noise.

 

two per side, one on top and one on the bottom. A bit of play there and as the bar goes up and down, it can make a surprising amount of noise....

To check the rear bushing, jack up the rear end and grab the rear control arm twards the front of the arm (where the bushing is) try to move it. You should fail....

Usually, things like these that start right after a service happen right where the service was! But it's not impossible that it's somewhere else. Also check the rear strut bolts (one big one down low, and two small ones at the top of the strut).

Other things to check... Is the spring clip on the caliper? Are the caliper slides in tight? Is the caliper carrier on tight (two bolts for this one, each side). If all these check out, you can swap sides with the rear struts to see if it's an issue with the strut (if it is it will move with the strut). While you're down there, look for cracks in the lower control arm. I doubt this is it, but a few have snapped and it's an easy inspection.....

Matt