weird noise
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: GA
weird noise
All, I'm new to the board thanks for having me. I have a 97 4x2 with 88K. Everytime I hit a bump in the road, I hear a thumping noise coming from the rear axle (I think). I put new michelins on it a few months ago and never really noticed it getting worse or better. It seems like it might be a bad shock because nothing is loose and I can't duplicate the noise on a rack. Any thoughts/suggestions?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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Did you check the exhaust system mounts?
How about the spare tire?
Is the lift (rack) the type that supports the wheels or rear axle, or are the rear wheels just hanging in the air with the rear suspension at full extension? The latter could impact what feels loose vs. what is loose under normal driving conditions.
Are you positive that the shock mounts and bushings are ok?
At 88k, your shocks, if those installed at the factory, don't owe you a thing. It could be a bad shock.
How about the spare tire?
Is the lift (rack) the type that supports the wheels or rear axle, or are the rear wheels just hanging in the air with the rear suspension at full extension? The latter could impact what feels loose vs. what is loose under normal driving conditions.
Are you positive that the shock mounts and bushings are ok?
At 88k, your shocks, if those installed at the factory, don't owe you a thing. It could be a bad shock.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
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From: Texas, USA
Besides exhaust hnagers and clearance, and shock or sway bar mountings and bushings, (especially the upper ones) check that spare tire is winched up tight, that the tire jack and lug wriench are not loose in their compartment.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: North Attleboro, MA
I've heard the same noise in my '99 Expy. It drives me nuts. Some bumps make the noise and others don't. It seems very subjective. It almost sounds like the rear (3rd row) seat or door rattling around. I know it isn't the spare as it is cranked up nice and snug. Anybody else have ideas as to what this might be?
Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!
Smitty
Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays!
Smitty
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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I have the same noise on my '97 with 84,000 miles, and it also makes the noise when I'm stopping. But doesn't occur at speeds over 20. Not getting worse or better, just irritating. If anyone knows the source please help!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 130
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From: Hilliard, OH
I had a similar noise on my 99 expy. Found out it was the shocks that needed replaced. Have you ever replaced your shocks? If not, I would look there. The factory ones that I had were a piece of junk. My mechanic said that the expys are notorious for having bad shocks from the factory. Hope this helps.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: GA
All, thanks for the informative responses. I checked the spare tire, the jack and the exhaust. My concern is that it could be a sway bar bushing or the shocks. I'm not wild about swapping out parts until I eliminate the noise but I suppose I'll start with shocks. Thank you all.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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I have the EXACT same noise from the rear of my 2001 navigator. Of course, dealer can't " duplicate customer complaint". So, I still have the stupid noise. Anybody figured it out yet??
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From: Nawlins
mE TOO!
Well, I just changed my shocks so I know its not those, I also just had an alignment and I asked them to check this, two guys there drove it and of course they did not hear it. They could not find any bad parts with the front end either. 
My mystery noise sounds like its coming from the front end for sure. It is a mild noise (rattle) that can be heard on any road with some small bumps or cracks. It sounds like something is loose but I have checked everything I can think of, running boards, front end, sway bar, spare tire, jack, jack rod, muffler, bumper...it is one of these things that gets on your nerves too.
Its there, I know its there but no one can find it.
My mystery noise sounds like its coming from the front end for sure. It is a mild noise (rattle) that can be heard on any road with some small bumps or cracks. It sounds like something is loose but I have checked everything I can think of, running boards, front end, sway bar, spare tire, jack, jack rod, muffler, bumper...it is one of these things that gets on your nerves too. Its there, I know its there but no one can find it.