Annoying Rattle

[AandC]

When driving over uneven surfaces, potholes, speed bumps etc I get a very prominent clattering sound from the rear drivers side.

It is like a metalic 'football rattle' sound and is driving me nuts. Had an indy look at it a week ago he couldn't cure it.

It's not the heat shield or exhaust, I would like it to go away.

Any ideas, you clever people? I dont mind paying for the work to be done, but resent paying for mechs to keep looking over and over again, without a solution

 

[wireman]

Which model?

If its one of the traditional style saloons:-

It could be a worn or damaged mounting or link bush, there are lots of these about 30 or so.

If its got some years & lots of miles it could be the rear subframe mounts, a tad expensive alas.

Other likely bits are the shock absorber mountings or the rear anti roll bar links etc.

It could also be loose innards of the parking brake, caused by using the alloy wheel bolts with a steel spare, the bolts are to long and will damage the pull off springs.

Is there any loose stuff in the boot? a jack and wheel brace can make one hell of a clatter.

 

[Dec]

Place one small child in back of car or boot to try and ascertain the source of the noise, removing the bottom of the rear seating may also help.

The noise could for example be coming from inside the door or something loose in the boot, without being close up it is difficult for the driver to estimate exactly where the noise is coming from.

Dec

 

[veggie]

You could check the anti rattle shims on the rear brake calipers as they can deteriorate or come loose. See if the rattle goes when you press the brake pedal.
Problem with these is that the pins will be seized in the caliper and you may need to get a new caliper to replace it. Good luck with it.