04 I35: Strange suspension noises

[Grand Moff Joseph]

Vehicle: 2004 I35Miles: 75K

Over the past 1-1.5 months, I have been tracking a constant clunk coming from the rear of the car. The clunk occurs when going over parking humps/large bumps, but especially over uneven surfaces that cause the rear end to flex one wheel more than the other. It also occurs when going over bumps while turning to the left.

In all cases above, the noise is emanating from the right rear of the car (or seems to anyway).

I have checked the whole exhaust system, and so has my body shop/dealership, and all is well there. the only culprit left that I can see is the rear suspension, with the struts/strut mounts being the primary culprit, snd the one lateral 'dogbone' link in the rear as another possibility.

So, my question is:

1. Any other ideas for the source of the noise, or causes/likely fixes?2. If new struts are in order, any product suggestions? Any I should avoid?

Thanks for any help!-Joe

[Sentientbydesign]

Has your car been lowered? If so, that could be part of the problem. My spring/strut setup gives me a lot of noise up front.

Your shop should be able to tell you if the struts are still in good shape or not.

[Grand Moff Joseph]

Has your car been lowered? If so, that could be part of the problem. My spring/strut setup gives me a lot of noise up front.

Your shop should be able to tell you if the struts are still in good shape or not.

Nope, my car is at stock ride height. In fact, all suspension equipment is original to the car. From what my contact at the dealership told me, usually the OE struts on these cars are pretty well done by 45-50K, but most people do not notice a big ride difference until 70-80K. He said that a majority of cars they see for new strut sets have over 70K on the OE struts.

[MinisterofDOOM]

It may be the upper strut mounts or bushings.

It also might be something else in the suspension/steering.

I had a similar problem a few years ago and it ended up being the result of the front end being in severe need of an alignment.

[Grand Moff Joseph]

It may be the upper strut mounts or bushings.

It also might be something else in the suspension/steering.

I had a similar problem a few years ago and it ended up being the result of the front end being in severe need of an alignment.

Actually, my service rep (w/20+ years of exp.) pointed to the upper rear mounts as the likely source of the noise. Obviously, if you're going to change the mount, you might as well change the strut while you're at it.

As for the alignment, I just had one done 2.5 months ago when new tires were put on.

[Sentientbydesign]

If you're ok paying $750 or so to have the struts replaced and an additional $100 for the mounts, then go for it.

I personally, would go somewhere else and have them install the struts.

I'd also get a lifetime alignment somewhere you can trust.

Just my 2 cents.

[Grand Moff Joseph]

If you're ok paying $750 or so to have the struts replaced and an additional $100 for the mounts, then go for it.

I personally, would go somewhere else and have them install the struts.

I'd also get a lifetime alignment somewhere you can trust.

Just my 2 cents.

I will more than likely go outside for the strut installation, as it will save me some much needed $$. I do have lifetime alignments through my local Plaza Tire, which is run by a bunch of great folks.

Any suggestions on strut brands? I've seen ads on here for Tokico (sp?), but have not heard of them...