Backend Noise When Going Over Bumps

[Siphen]

I am getting a noise from the back of the car any time I go over bumps. It sounds like someone is dropping a ball bearing on a tin can with a spring in it.

Has anyone encountered this before? I am thinking it is my back shocks.

I have transported a few very heavy loads in the back on my mazda3 hatch over the course of it's life and may have worn them out early. If this is my shocks, should I be replacing the shocks and springs or are springs typically longer lasting then the shocks. Any opinions would be great, this would be my first venture int rear suspension work. I have replaced control arms and wheel bearing assembly's on the front suspension, sounds like I will need to do some work on the rear.

 

[tsunami]

rear is easy peasy... springs are normaly fine.. i would also look at your rear sway and endlinks those can make noises as well... rear shocks are cheap and endlinks are as well... both are easy to change out.

 

[rvieregge]

I had brake problems on my Maxima that sounded like that. It wasn't obvious that it was the brakes though. The proof was it went away when you put on the parking brake a little.

 

[skylar2ups]

It's the back sway bar (I have no idea if thats spelled right) I had the same noice and it drove me crazy I took everything out of my trunk then even the spare tire and the tools for the tire and it still happened, then I got ran off the road and my car went into the shop and thats when they found it.