Banging noise in rear of car Bad Shocks?

[Rag64top]

Greetings,
I'm new to Caddy's and I have a 99 Eldo that I just purchased.
When I go over any large bumps, I hear a banging sound in the rear of the car. At first I thought it was the exhaust hitting somewhere, but after checking it out, it seems fine and tight, I have to really swing it back and forth with a lot of force to get it to hit anything, and cause any similar noise.
Will bad shocks make a banging sound? I hope its not the shocks, but wanted to get you guys opinion about the issue. They look fine, but I can't recreate the noise by myself, when the car is on the ground, or on a lift.
This banging noise is really getting to be a PITA. It sounds exactly like the exhaust is hitting somewhere, but I can't seem to find the source.
Thanks
Rags

[dp102288]

How many miles? Something (shocks, suspension, struts) may need to be changed depending on mileage.

[Rag64top]

HI,
The car has 96K on it, and the suspension seems to be working just fine, excpet for the banging sound in the back , going over bumps, just about any bump causes it to happen. It sounds exactly like an exhause pipe hitting on something, I just can't find a place where the exhaust is hitting, so I though it might be the shocks, or something else suspension related.
Has anyone had their shocks cause this type of banging??
Thanks
Rags

[dp102288]

Not sure about the banging, but I think the struts need to be changed at 100K miles so it may be time for that.

Hopefully someone else will chime in with some help.

[C170B]

Dear Rag

Place car on rack at a shop that does tires.

While hoisted place a hand at 12:00 and 6:00 Rock back and forth, see if you have 1/4" in and outplay. Do both back wheels. Report back what you observe.

I may be 100% wrong but a guess as to noise you hear is from rear hub bracket. Worn rubber bushings. The right rear may be very worn and the left rear just starting to go. Don't let anyone SELL you any parts or service while your car is on the rack. Get a wriitten estimate and tell them you may return when you have the cash. A good mechanic will co operate others may try to gage vulnerability.

If you take car in to a diff shop for total wheel alignment service , say 65.00 and lifetime readjustment at no charge, they will NOT accept the job and tell you that the hub bushings do not allow them to do job properly unless you spend addtional 800.00 per rear wheel. What you do receive is a FREE diagnosis and confirmation of problem. Don't spend any money, not yet.

Ignore the knocking sound and safely drive the car another 20,000 miles if necessary. Prepare to purchase one additional tire w premature wear. Hymm, 75.00 for a tire vs. 1800.00 for hub replacements.

Prove everthing out sev times before placing your cash is some one else's hand.

I did. Purchased a used hub from PAMS AUTO PARTS. I think MN. great deal 85.00 for part plus 100.00 for local mech to install. Takes some time for you to make all this happen. The new part is 275.00 with discount.

Even if I am 100% wrong you are going to face this issue in future and this tip will save you bucks. All the info is already on thsi fourm, just hard to dig it out sometimes.

regards

[Rag64top]

Greetings C170B,
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post!
I believe you are exactyly correct in your diagnosis.
Even without jacking up the car, I find appox 1/8 or more play on both side.
If I jack the car up, the play goes away, probably because of the way the suspension hangs when jacked up.
I will soon take off the rear wheels, so I can thoroughly inspect the knuckle
bushings, from all that I have read on this site, and from your post, I do believe that this is the problem. No need to take the car to a dealer right now, I was wondering if this is a dangerous situation, but I think I can safely drive it the way it is. I do notice some occasional rear wandering, kinda of like the car has a little rear steering going on, and somtimes hear a clunking sound. The rear wandering is a little annoying, but not too bad so far.
I have only had this car for one month, and am still getting used to it.
Until I can find a good price on the parts, I will probably just drive it the way it is. I had a 68 Vette that was much worse, and cost more than the Caddy to repair.
I need to find the part numbers so I can search for the best prices.
Thanks again for posting!

Rags

[fiXXXer]

Take a look at http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...hit-bumps.html (Clanking when I hit bumps)

My images aren't there, but should be back up soon.