clonking from the rear

[julians]

I have recently started to notice a kind of clonk/rattle from the rear whenever the rear wheels go over a bump. I presumed that this would most likely be the A frame bush (96 De-dion BTW), so have just rung caterham to order a new one, however they seem to think that its extremely rare that the bush fails (is that contrary to everyones experience?) and that I should have another look at what is causing the clonk.

 

Any ideas where to start looking, I've had the car jacked up and I cant replicate the noise by wobbling/rattling anything, but it does only tend to occur over sharp bumps.

 

Julian

[Mike Bees]

De Dion? My car has always 'clanged' at the rear when the suspension drops into a dip. I've never been able to find any explanation for it. One theory mooted at one time was that it's the 'soft' end of the progressive rear springs becoming coilbound as the suspension begins it's upward stroke, but it ain't that 'cos I've also used stiffer linear rate springs and still get the clang.

 

Mike

[julians]

In that case I'll continue to ignore it, one less thing to worry about/sort out.

 

Cheers

 

Julian

[simonwelton]

I had a very irritating rattle which was loud and intrusive from the rear ooh err, when I finally got round to looking, the handbrake cables (sheathed in metal coils) were rattling on the A Frame over every bump, and it's loud, is that the problem?

 

Si

[Bafty Crastard]

Have you checked for illegal immigrants ??