jim7485

IS 250 AWD, with nearly 200,000 miles. I am the original owner and everything is stock. The car has developed a knocking sound from the back of the car. It increases with speed and is louder when turning than going straight. Applying the brakes does not impact the sound. This doesn't appear to be suspension, since the sound can be heard on flat smooth roads. I jacked up the car, leaving the wheels on. Nothing appears to be loose and there are no signs of damage. Michigan roads have more potholes per mile than the moon has craters! It would not surprise me if something is broken or bent, but I don't see anything.

I don't know if it's related, but my check VSC light has been on for quite a while (VSC disabled). I have been told this is related to an exhaust sensor. I also have exhaust leaks. The clunking sound from the rear is recent, but the check VSC light has been on for several months. I just don't have the funds for a new Y pipe to replace the rusted one.

I tend to do much of my own repair work, especially on a car with such high milage.

Would appreciate any advice.


Thanks

Jim

JdSwiper

iTrader: (4)

My car was doing the same recently. The sound seemed like it was coming from the rear passenger tire. I took the wheel off and everything seemed to be ok. I also looked under the car for anything loose or broken and found nothing. I drove about 700 miles on vacation to N.H. And after coming back haven't heard it again! Wierd!!

2009 Awd is250 95,000

jim7485

Well - I drove about 500 miles over the past two days and it seems a bit worse!

liqB

Wheel bearing/boot/axle?

jim7485

I think I have found the source of the problem. Some time ago, I replaced the rear rotors with aftermarket parts. I removed them today to inspect the suspension linkage, axels, etc. Much to my surprise, the inner parking brake drum has been rubbing on a small metal spacer block. The block spans between the parking brake pads. Simple solution. I carefully aligned the rotors, then slowly re-torqued the lug nuts to factory specs. Problem solved!

jim7485

My original 'solution' was wrong...

Any other thoughts? How do I check the rear wheel bearings, boots and axles? I have the car up in the air and in neutral. This does not appear suspension related. Nothing is moving around. I can't replicate the sound by turning the hub. The knocking sound is LOUD when making a right hand turn and goes away when making a left hand turn.

Would appreciate any other advice.

Thanks

jim

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

My guess is the boot and /or axle too.

jim7485

I searched but didn't find anything... are there any tutorials on rear axle replacement on the forum?

Thanks

Jim

LucianoLee

iTrader: (1)

You might want to check underneath of your car. Around there area under your rear seats. There are 2 bars that go across your exhaust. And your exhaust might be hitting one of those bars and creating that metal to metal sound.

mrfresh

You also might want to check if you have a midget trapped inside your trunk or underneath of your car. I think there is a recall on that.


No but seriously I think there is a trunk recall. It made my trunk much sturdier.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34602213@N08/8420107515/

MIA_LEX

iTrader: (4)

thats for a gs350^

MIA_LEX

iTrader: (4)

i would put the car on a lift and do a really good inspection.