I have a 1992 Corolla which has suddenly started making a clunking/knocking noise from the back end. Nothing obvious amiss, nothing loose, hanging down or adrift as far as I can see. Car still drives ok. I've checked the boot to see if anything loose - no. Any ideas?
Thanks.
slight tweak to subject line - PU
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hey , if only you could record sounds and post them!
my reaction is-
exhaust bracket rusted through- now knocking on body
shocker(s) come loose- have they been fiddled with recently by anyone?
wheel bearing(s) on the way out
some broken suspension part- not familiar with rice burners( cars) - sorry
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Thanks
Exhaust and brackets all good. Nothing's been done to the suspension recently, also noise started suddenly - I would have expected it to get progressively louder as a component wears out? Wheel bearing noise normally a whining/grinding sound? This is a definite knock. Strange.
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>>I would have expected it to get progressively louder as a component wears out?
Dampers and droplinks can sound the same for years without getting worse,is the knock directional ie does it come from one corner of car??
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No, it seems to be from the general area of the back of the car. I'm wondering if it's safe to continue driving it.
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>>it seems to be from the general area of the back of the car
I would suggest you get someone to go in the back seat and try and locate the knock,though sometimes this can prevent the knock from occuring,but would give a better idea of circumstances the knock occurs at and when,if you get my drift?.
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Possibly shocks or a suspension bush,if the anti roll bar has drop links, check them for excess play
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SWMBO old Corolla did this but it was the spare wheel loose (not obvious). Try removing everything, tools, and the false floor to check.
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did you remember to let your mother-in-law out of the boot from her shopping trip??! could be one reason i guess!
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I had a similar thing with a late 92 Corolla.
Over bumps/holes, clunk and knock sound.
One Dealer couldn't find a fault, but it was one of the rear tie rods which adjust the rear tracking.
The Hub end has a rubber bush which was twisted when the dealer adjusted rear tracking.
You need to go under the car and hit the rods sharply with hand, you may get a slight clunk.
However it was only when mine got really bad that they started making a noise when hit by hand.
Check the condition of the bushes as well.
If the bolts haven't seized it is an easy job to replace the rods, but you probably need to get the rear tracking adjusted afterwards. ANOTHER dealer did it all for £150.
Also could be the Rear Anti roll bar bushes, again just grab rear anti roll bar and push up and down for play. If not these try the Anti-roll bar link bars for play, they can be tightened with an hex key insert fitted to end of Torque wrench, Again check for perished rubber on these.
Interestly the design of these rear tie rods was changed in the mid 1990's on the same model of Corolla, suggesting a known weakness. The replacement rod is of the modified design
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Great, thanks for the comprehensive advice. I'll get it checked out.
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