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1949 2382

Help me solve a mystery. I have an annoying rear rattle/clunk from the left (driver) rear that seems like it got worse after I had a rear tire, but that might have been a coincidence.
I saw this as an excuse to do some rear suspension work, and I have replaced the rear shackle bushings, two broken leaves, and rear shocks. It maybe got marginally better with the shackle bushings. I get it both when I am engaging the clutch and if it is just coasting, so its not clutch chatter, but I am wondering if it is driveline related.

Let me know of what ideas. It is annoying more than anything.

Maybe a u-joint.

When our 49 Deluxe made such noises…Master Mechanic, Alex Alfaro finally determined it was the rubber seal around the trunk lid of all things! We replaced the seal…No more noise. Ernie in Arizona

I had a rattle/clunk sound coming from the same area and I looked and looked and could never find it. I happened to find the source by chance one day while working on something completely unrelated.

I don't know if you have a track bar like my '53 Cavalier, but one of the mounting bolts broke on the bracket that mounts to the spring. The bracket would jump up and down when I hit a bump, particularly noticeable going over train tracks.

Check the spring eye bushings at the front of the rear springs and be sure the axle u-bolts are tight. A dry driveshaft slip joint can make noises and clunks. All shock and sway bar bushings and hardware need checked. Exhaust systems are a prolific source of thumps, bumps, squeaks rattles, and buzzes. Mufflers with loose internal parts can make odd noises. Engine and transmission mount problems can cause drive line and exhaust system noises, and make noises of their own. U-joints can have excessive wear or dry, stiff bearings that can cause odd sounds and other problems. Springs that are dry and rusty or which have loose or missing clips can produce noises. I'd also check the trunk lid for a loose latch or misalignment and check the rear bumper attachments and look for contact between the bumper arms and any part of the body. Be sure rear doors latch snugly.

It could be a loose part in one of the rear brakes.