L320 RRS Clunky bum

[Stuart02]

We have a clunking in the back end over even small bumps.

At the car's first post-purchase service I was assured all the rear end bushes were all either in good condition or new, and I can't see any issues with the exhausts.

I don't know whether the service folk could have easily checked the struts which AFIK are original so have 175000 kms on them, but that said, the clunking doesn't seem to be coming from either or both corners.

Do the counter weights ever get noisy (which would be ironic)?

Thanks again!

[Redback]

There's a support/link arm where the bolt can bend or break, known issue for the D3/4, I'd say it's a control arm bush, sound travells in mysterious ways, also have the support for the rear diff pumpkin looked at, make sure all the bolts are tight.

Have a read of this, I'm assuming the RRS has the same arm.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/184551-rear-link-arm-bolt-snapped.html

Baz.

[Stuart02]

sound travels in mysterious ways

You're not wrong there! Thanks for the leads

[letherm]

also have the support for the rear diff pumpkin looked at



Does Cinderella's godmother help to build Discos ? :p

Martin

[BigJon]

I recently fixed a rear end rattle / clunk in a Sport by replacing the rear swaybar mount bushes (swaybar to chassis "D" bushes). Well worth a look.

If the struts have never been replaced they will be well knackered too.

[Stuart02]

Could a stuffed or underperforming sway bar bush or rear strut lead to the stability control getting over zealous?
Heading up to Falls Creek with the family and gear on board, probably close to GVM, I couldn't push into corners with any gusto, particularly left handers, without the front wheels getting braked. Most annoying.
As an aside I was interested to see how much softer the ride was (RRS) loaded up. I don't remember that with the D4. I'm encouraged wrt the car's touring potential.

[Redback]

I do remember my D4s stability control working a lot more when my front lower control arms were knackered, after replacing them it seems to have settled down.

Baz.

[cal415]

Have had some similar knocks from my RRS, turned out to be sway bar bushes both times, once from the front and then from the rear.... in both cases replacing them made small but noticeable difference to the vehicles handling pushing through corners fast.

[Stuart02]

Rear sway bar bushes fixed the clunky bum, and the front lower control arms were indeed knackered. The latter plus a steering calibration have helped tame the DSC though it still jumps in occasionally and annoyingly.