Help with Thud Sound

**99WS6MAN** · 10-23-2010, 10:23 AM

Just yesterday I noticed a loud thud when I go over bumps from my rear end ... I did some searching and found that it may be my bushings but is there any way that I can be for sure of this? I'm a novice when it comes to repair on the Bird but I'd like to try it out any way ... it sounds like its coming from the driver side rear and sound like I'm bottoming out and is LOUD

Thanks in advance

**TokerM** · 10-23-2010, 10:30 AM

Sounds like bushings... how many miles are on the car?

Take a look at the suspension system. You'll see the bushings in there (black rubber mounts at connection points.) See if they are cracked.

**99WS6MAN** · 10-25-2010, 09:15 AM

112,000 and counting ... how hard is it to change those out? The sound is really loud at times and it sounds like I'm messing something up

**TokerM** · 10-25-2010, 11:21 AM

What are your plans on the car? If it's a DD and/or you plan on keeping it for a long time AND keeping stock suspension, you can get complete rebuild kits and it's not all that hard. Doesn't all have to be done it one rip. Do one side, then the other, starting where you hear the noise. 100k miles is time to start inspecting bushings.

If you plan on moding the suspension, no reason to rebuild bushings that you are about to remove. Look for what's worn out the most (I've seen entire bushings disintegrated on cars,) and think about replacing that first.

**bberretta** · 10-25-2010, 11:58 AM

Do you feel it in the trans? Could also be the TA mount. Start with the TA mount and the control arms. Also check out the shocks- how bad are they? If one shock is bad enough then it will easily slam up into the bumpstop which may have long since deteriorated.

**JayTA98** · 10-25-2010, 06:12 PM

i will check the shocks and springs. My shocks and springs were bad and it was hitting the bump stop. I had to replace the shocks, spprings and bump stops.