I have an AWD with AVS. I had all shocks/mounts replaced about 10-15K ago (at 123k on odometer) and the car drives like a dream... On bumps (Michigan roads when going in a straight line, it's great, no sounds, nothing... Solid as ever but ever so slightly, when I'm not going in a straight line (or for instance if there's a lot of pot holes or etc on the road and I cannot dodge them), there's a loud THUD sound like something is loose in the rear. Doesn't always happen. Seems to be more fine when it's VERY hot outside and happens when it's colder. No one can find anything. Shocks and all look good. Lower control arms maybe? Any ideas?

 

Have you checked your sunroof seal? I would drive over a rough road with the sunroof tilted. If you dont hear the sound, then you have an inexpensive fix.

 

Do you really think a sunroof seal can make that much noise? From the REAR of the car???

 

There are several posts on this forum of members experiencing what they thought was a suspension problem, and the sunroof seal was the culprit. I experienced this myself. Im only recommending you to check your seal since you described hearing the "thud" when you're riding on a rough road, or over potholes.

 

Thanks so much for the help and suggestion!! I will have to replicate this with your suggestion & tip! Is there anything I can look out for visually on the seal?

 

No problem. My seal looked fine before I changed it, just a little weathered, but changing it did solve my issue. This may or may not solve your issue, but I hope it does.

Good luck mate!

 

Would also like to say to check your sunroof seal. I literally replaced my yesterday because I was also hearing what I 100% thought was rear suspension noise (was thinking most likely the stabilizer links), but I read in a lot of threads saying it was the sunroof seal.

$45 bucks for a new seal from the dealer, 30 mins of my time and once I replaced it, no more noises!

 

Thats great to hear goose. I hope NatGen has the same luck. These boards have been very helpful with any issues ive had with my car, so i just like to pay it forward.

 

Similar issue here on my 2WD and the sunroof seal fixed it

 

The sunroof is a structural part of the car. A loose sunroof will resonate and make it sound like something is loose in the rear of the vehicle. It's certainly odd, but well worth checking out before spending any more time suspecting the suspension.

 

Thank you all for your input. It's the ONLY thing that bothers me and I hope it fixes it. I will provide an update here soon! Does anyone have a part number that would be helpful? Thanks again.

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...60742-2280.pdf - Found this

 

Part number for the sunroof seal was 63251-30100. Ran me about $45CAD from the dealer. When I replaced it, I tilted the sunroof, then removed the two front screws, then slightly loosened the rear screws, so that I could raise the front portion to be higher up. I didn't have any issues opening the torx screws (did not strip whatsoever), then stuffed a clean folded rag under it to keep it open the sunroof open. Replacing was easy, just lined up the marks with the old one before removing to get an idea of where the marks go, then replaced the seal. Whole thing only took 30 mins tops.

 

Just letting you know that it's not necessary to remove the screws. I've no doubt you know exactly what you're doing but for those less mechanically inclined reading, it is possible.

 

I agree with CWang. You do not need to remove any of the screws. Just tilt, remove, add a little lubricant to the new seal, and then work the seal onto the glass. Make sure the groove is in the correct positin - I dont recall if the groove goes towards the back or front.