Honda Car Forum

Thougth I'd try again on this one. Still have the rear "thumping" sound in the rear end. I spoke with my mechanic, who said that the shocks are solid as is the entire suspension system. HELP!Thanks for your input. Well, let's see. I drive with the windows up, so that takes care of that. My mechanic, whom I trust because he's ultra-anal, made sure the suspension bolts and exhaust clamps were tight. The spare is tight as well. I'll look into the tires cupping and see if that's an issue. They're relatively new tires and I had an alignment a few months ago, but we'll see.

check the tires/alignment... if the tires have any cupped or chopped wear, that is where your noise is comming from... even a little can make the noise your discribing

The most overlooked cause of a 'thump' in the rear end is a loose spare tire or jack under the rear cargo mat in your trunk. That's the first thing I would check. This type of noise would be heard over bumps or rough roads regardless of speed.The remainder of ideas involves asking questions. The first is when does this thump happen? is it speed sensitive, that is does it occur at higher speeds or lower speeds and does it increase in frequency with speed and decrease in speed when slowing down or does it remain constant at all speeds?If the frequency increases and decreases with speed, look to the tires and tire cupping as the cause. the next question is do you drive with one window open? There is an audible thumping noise at speed when you drive with only one window open. Many people open a rear window when driving and that causes the higher pressure air inside the car to collide with the lower pressure passing over the car as the car moves at speed causing a repetitive thumping noise. Opening a second window on the opposite side of the car will equalize the pressure and eliminate that noise.Another possibility if the noise is heard over bumps is to check the exhaust system alignment and the condition of the exhaust hangers. There is always the possibility that the exhaust travel may be excessive over bumps due to worn rubber hangers or damage and that would cause a thump.Lastly, while the suspension may look good, there is the possibility that the bolts are loose. You should have all of the suspension bolts 're-torqued' if that hasn't been done yet.hope those ideas help track down your noise