Hello all. I picked up my sweet Seville after my first car, an 88 Cutlass rustbox, was turning into a death trap. Got it for $1500, with 155k miles, a shot idle speed motor, and holes in the mufflers--fixed those no problem. It is an AMAZING car, sharp looking and loaded with everything, I can't get over the smoothness and torque that these things have. I have been driving this for almost 4 months now for hours a day and it is an amazing machine. I do regular oil changes, etc. and recently changed the water pump, thermostat, and air filter.

Anyway, before I purchased it I noticed a rattling coming from the rear, and at the time I figured it was the exhaust hitting the frame somewhere and it would be no problem to remedy. I have tried different muffler clips, attaching parts of the exhaust to the frame, etc. and nothing has worked. There is a part of the frame near the end of the muffler that is bent because of constant contact, but I highly doubt that it hits it that often and makes that loud of a noise.

It seems that this is common and I have seen other posts describing this problem; but neither those nor the answers have been very clear to me. I gather it is related to the suspension system. It only rattles at relatively slow speeds when I hit bumps with my rear tires. It does not rattle when I'm traveling at fast/highway speeds, nor does it rattle while breaking heavily, which makes sense as most of the weight is transfered to the front. It sounds like the source of the rattling is close to the rear left wheel.

How should I go about fixing this? Is there any specific parts that I need? Any help would be appreciated.

Check your rear-end for grease nipples! :D Seriously, mine made the worst noises from the rear, (the car) and I discovered the rear nips were never greased! Why GM would put ball-joints back there baffles me, but try it anyway. (ok guys don't laugh, this is serious!) ;)

Does it sound like popcorn in a microwave? If it does its the stabilizer links. Very common problem on these cars both front and rear.

Logan

Does it sound like popcorn in a microwave? If it does its the stabilizer links. Very common problem on these cars both front and rear.

Logan


Actually that's exactly what it sounds like. So would I need a new stablizer bar as a replacement or is there a way I can fix that without replacing it? My guess is to secure the links...I hope it's that simple. I'll check it out when I get home from work (not driving it because of a leaking rim :( )

They will probably look and feel ok. But its the links. It only happens at just the right speed and bumpy road conditions. Common problem. New links are about $45 each. The problem will reoccur every 60-70K with new links.

It sounds as if we both have the same car. My '93 SLS has 201k miles. Mine started popping around 75K. I just ignore it...it hasnt gotten any worse. And + I knew what it was.

Logan

Probably wouldn't hurt to check the rear calipers while you're under there. They can make a lot of noise on bumpy roads too.

Thanks guys. Well I recently changed the pads and the calipers were in good shape. There isn't any deteriorating rust anywhere..and I'm surprised at that considering New England weather. But if everything looks decent I'll just ignore the sound...I know that I'll have to get passive struts and everything somewhere along the line..this car is worth putting money into especially for what I paid for it.