Metal Knocking Noise from rear wheel well area
 

Hoping someone can chime in on this. I've been experiencing constant metal knocking noise from the rear wheel well area. Sounds almost like a loose bolt moving around everytime I go over bumps or at slow starts.

No, it's not the axle sound because I can hear that separately from the knocking noise lol. Axle noise is more like a click than it is a knocking noise.

Funny thing is that when it rains, the sound disappears :confused:

Like today, it was pouring and I noticed that the knocking noise was completely gone.

Can anyone (educated) guess what's causing the issue? FYI, I've already had someone tighten up all the suspension and the sound is still there.

I have that too. Got underneath and found mt rear diff bushing busted, had it replaced for $600. But the thud/clunk noise is still there. All my suspension bolts are tightened as well. I'm thinking it could be my stock rear sway end links, just ordered a new set, hoping it will solve this noise:rolleyes:

hmmm... that's not good

Do you only hear it when you come to a complete stop? That's how mine is.

No, mine is there at low speeds and over bumpy roads. Non-existence when driving on highways at high speeds and when it rains

I'm guessing the moisture plays a certain role in getting rid of this noise

Maybe applying some grease may solve this issue but just have no idea where the noise is coming from other than it is from the rear right suspension/trunk area

Thanks for that! But their description is different than what I'm experiencing. And it's a metal knocking noise rather than clicks. The metal knocking sound is definitely from the passenger side only.

check your endlinks.

^would moisture or grease applied to endlinks make the sound disappear?

I don't have the clicking noise attributed to the wheel bearing, rather it's more like a "thud" sound when the vehicle come to a complete stop. I really hope it's my stock sway endlinks because I have aftermarket sways installed for a while now.

if it's the joint, then it will need to be replaced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPw8sqrh30g

That's definitely the noise! @1:25

Thanks kenchan & zbrah

Guess I'm getting some new rear sway bars lol

Which did you order?

Just sent email to John @ corner3garage lol

Just scheduled for install on 23rd wednesday for SPL Pro endlinks and get rid of rear axle clicking noise as well

More money more problems lol

I bought Energy Suspension endlinks from Zspeed. $90. Will have it install soon. I'll keep you updated if it solves my problem.

easy way to tell if it's the endlink or not is to undo one side completely and tape the end so it doesnt hit anything. drive slowish on an uneven parking lot.

^thanks!

I'm getting new endlinks next week. Fingers crossed :)

I've taken some pictures of the endlinks that I think are causing the noise.

I'm seeing some lines that look like hairline cracks on the endlink on the side that is making noise.

I've checked the other side but that side was normal.

I've tried touching and scraping with my fingernails to feel if it is really cracked but could not really feel it.

What do you guys think? Cracked endlink or not?

What's your suspension setup? Are you lowered?

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

I'm on KWv3 and lowered

I've seen that on new ones. I suspect those are casting marks. :twocents:

I agree with you on the first two pics. Not so sure about the last one - that may be a crack. But it's difficult to tell much from the pictures.

You guys have Coil overs ?
Check strut/shock body or Spring hats , they can work themselves loose

Thanks fellas :tiphat:

I guess I'll find out for sure on Wednesday....

I've checked the strut and spring hats... nothing was loose

They're casting marking in the aluminum.

some springs have to be oriented a certain way on the spring seats to prevent noise.

especially the rear springs are tricky with those spring carrier cups as some springs tend to rub against the wall of the cup. rain could lube the spring temporarily muting the noise.

Ran over a metal debris and the noises got worse lol

Haven't the slightest idea what it might be

It could also be your exhaust hitting the bumper or cross member.

hmm perhaps

Never bothered to check

Subd

What was the outcome?
I have the same issue.
I know in the past on a Cooper, it was the shock tops.

Been driving with it for I don't know how long lol
Never been resolved and it's gotten significantly worse
It's funny no one can find where the sound is coming from
I've been to 3 different shops and they all have different opinions....
I think it's my rear struts but what do I know....

Any updates? Lol

I know this is a reach, but check your latch on th rear hatch.

I had a similar sounding noise and thought it's the rear wing bolts, it's something loose in the back, or a loose fitting of some sort. Nope. I went to the car wash one day noticed when the service tech pressed down on the hatch a very similar noise occurred. I went home and checked the latch. Nothing loose or out of place. I decided to try something different. I have a can of garage door spray lube handy. This is the stuff you spray on your garage door rollers, chain drive, screw drive, hinges etc. I sprayed this on the latch and the upper piece on the hatch.

So far the noise tends to go away for several months. i recently noticed it returned so I sprayed it again. It is a cheap fix. Might not work for everyone, but the hatch does tend to rattle a bit over time.

If nothing else, at least you don't need to get under the car to try this one. If it doesn't help, at least the hatch latching assembly will work smoothly.

Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps some of you.