rear suspension noise when going over bumps in road?

Question

2002 Hyundai XG350L with 47,000 miles. Very soft riding car with new Michelins installed 4 months ago. This noise just started a week ago. When going over a bump (most often a raised bump like a pavement blowup) the rear suspension is very noisy and hard riding. When the rear tires drop into a pothole or drop off there is little or no noise. Struts are not leaking. Everything looks good from an initial visual inspection. Car was 4-wheel aligned and the alignment just rechecked. I think I know what it is but I welcome feedback to confirm my suspicion.

tires are correct inflation all around.

I replaced the inner U-shaped rubber stabilizer bushings and it initially moderated the noise but the noise came back so I am going to replace both outer links this weekend. That is what I think may be causing the noise and it is much easier and cheaper to replace than the struts.

Answer 1

May be worn rubber gromets on sway bar

Answer 2

Shocks or struts have two different modes of operation---one is under compression like when going over bumps and one is under extension of the shock/strut and the valving inside the shock/strut is different for these two modes depending on how the engineers want the ride and handling to be setup. You may want to change the rear struts or all four to a type that is adjustable, if possible , so you can adjust how the ride is affected under jounce or rebound conditions. Otherwise, maybe a softer strut may be available from parts stores or the dealer. Noises could be from a stabilizer bar bushing or suspension bushings also.

Answer 3

The best way to find it is use a drive-on lift, then bounce the rear-end while listening. Would not surprise me if it were the exhaust system. Suspension bushings are also possible.

Answer 4

Get some new shocks and struts. Try Kragen Auto Parts.

Answer 5

This question is worth people's attention

Answer 6

you need new shocks/struts...about 175 per wheel