tlr3715

So I drove to work this morning without any issues. The car sat outside for nine hours or so in the 100 degree NJ heat. When I drove it home after work every time I hit even the smallest bump I hear a horrible rattling and metallic clanking and scraping noise coming from the rear of the car closer to the passenger side wheel. It actually sounds like my rear-end is coming apart or wheel is about to fall off. I can also feel a vibration in the floor when it happens too. The more bumps I hit in a row the worse it gets. I looked under the car with a flash light and I don't see anything wrong or loose. It's going into the shop tomorrow.

Is there any glue holding anything up back there that may have come undone from the heat? What s back there that would make a noise like that. Aside from the noise and vibration the car seems to handle and ride just fine. In fact if I were to drive on an even surface, I would probably never know something was wrong.

Jimbeaux

Sounds like it could be a loose axle nut, lug nuts and or worn out end links.

michaelinmech

Did you check your lug nuts?

tlr3715

Yes they all seem tight.

MikeERWNC

It sounds more like an axle shaft gone bad.
Look for grease. It is my experience that when the axle shaft goes it will squirt grease either on the inside of the wheel or the underbody by the differential.
That would explain the vibration.
I don't get how bumps would make it worse, though.

Maybe check the emergency brake shoe. it is one piece, but could break.

black.z51.c6

do you have an aftermarket exhaust? my borlas were clanging when they heated up.. I had to replace one of the screws that hold the muffler hanger to the car. the factory bolts have a 1-8 washer so I got a new bolt, without the washer, and turned about half of the head of the hex bolt off in a lathe. Now the muffler cant clang into it. when the exhaust is warmed up like a 10 min ride will do, shake the tailpipes around to see if they are banging. be careful they will be hot use a towel so you don't burn yourself, or just use your foot to nudge the mufflers around. good luck

ben dover

Don-Vette

That's the first thing I thought too.

MikeERWNC

OK... The suspense is killing us.

Have you been checking stuff?
Bring it by the house, we'll help you.

tlr3715

I took it to the dealership today. My girlfriend followed me there and said she saw the left muffler bouncing around, but I don't think that is it. The tech test drove it briefly and thought it was a failed rear passenger shock, but everything looked fine and was tight when they put it on the lift. They said they were booked and would need more time on Tuesday to look into it more. They are going to call me then when they know for sure.

01VETTECOP

It sounds like Your Muffler Bearings !

black.z51.c6

do you have an aftermarket exhaust or headers?
I don't think that its the muffler bearings... those never fail. lol
as I said above if you still have the car you can always heat it up by driving it and just grabbing the muffler and jostling it around. hope it is something cheap for you...

redrckt97

do you have the chrome muffler bearings - or the newer black ones?

RobLo

There was a thread awhile back, can't remember exactly but something about a torque tube cover coming loose and rattling like crazy, IIRC all you had to do was tighten some bolts under there, might be worth a few minutes to search the Forum for info. I know that wouldn't explain the vibration but you have to start somewhere, good luck!

tlr3715

Exhaust is stock NPP. I did get the suspension changed out to Z51 shocks sways and springs about a year ago. Used genuine GM parts. If one of those parts failed would there be a warranty for the part since it's less than a year old. And if so how would I go about getting a warranty replacement?

THE MOUTH

Sounds like the SPARE TIRE hold down bearing!!!!!!!LOL

black.z51.c6

If those parts were installed at dealer and it has been under a year than I think that it would. I had a new slave cylinder installed and they told me that it was warrantied for a year. Good luck with it.

Silverado Desperado

I like the videos that show the disassembly of the rear end.

Chevy Cust Svc

Hey tlr3715,

Keep me posted if I can help in any way while you are at the dealership. I can call them on your behalf. If you had the GM parts installed at the dealership they have record of the 12 month 12th Mile warranty for parts and labor. Just remind them.

Kelly J.
GM Customer Care

truckplay

axle nuts & bearings are common. sway bar links, shocks ?, exhaust hangers & rear leaf spring are also possible.