Rattle in rear?

[dpbrowne]

Hearing a strange rattle in the rear of my 1983 300SD. Cleared the trunk and made sure the spare was secure. Still happens. What would be the next area to check? Shocks?

[BoostnBenz]

Sway bar end links are real popular of a rattle in back. Actually my 84 could use some, they go from the sway bar to knuckle I believe. If they are indeed bad get the upgaded version, not another plastic one.

[vwbuge]

I second the motion on the end links. My plastic ones are holding up ok so far.

[Palangi]

Top end of one of the rear shocks was loose on mine. It was causing an annoying little rattle at low speeds. Missing muffler donuts is another possibility.

[JHZR2]

Yeah, I had a rattle that I couldnt find anywhere. I shook on the wheels, etc and thought maybe my diff was on the way out. I then saw the link bushings were rotted out, replaced the two links and its a-ok...

JMH

[Mike123]

Have you had the rear seat out recently? I had an annoying rattle that I could not find until I removed the seat again and, after replacement, the rattle was gone. It sounded like it came from the trunk but was the seat.

I've also had strange rattles caused by the exhaust hangers.

[MVK]

Its mostly the sway bar end links. They are about 8-10 bucks each for the plastic ones. I changed them on mine after 169K miles and I think I dont mind doing it again after another 100K +

Also dont rule out the rear sway bar mounting bushings. The bracket might have come out loose ot the bushing there might have been rotten.

Just for your info 10 bucks a piece is not a bad deal considering on my 1994 camry, the same metal version of it costs about 70 bucks each. They are very easy to change and oh boy what a difference it make in rear end handling. If in doubt, just change them anyway this way you have the cheapest problem out of your way. Just my thoughts.

MVK

[dpbrowne]

Thanks guys Today is the fourth and after my fishing trip I will take a look at the bushings. Have a great holiday.