Strange rattle from rear on 2003 Boxster S

[Steve Tinker]

Southtx...
If your trailing or suspension arms are worn, you will not be able to detect the wear unless you remove the arms - even then its not too obvious. My fronts were knocking badly but pulling / pushing / twisting did not show up the wear - only replacing them fixed the problem.....
Check by driving over a rough surface (I'm sure you have some in TX) with the engine turned off if possible. Be aware you won't have boosted brakes with the engine switched off, so pick a desertd road to try this - you don't have to drive fast to see if the suspension is the problem..

[Southtxfarmer74]

I am starting to agree with a few of you here and think this noise is coming from some worn out suspension component. I am thinking of just going ahead and rebuilding the the suspension on the front and back. Looks like parts might run around 3k, but I can do the labor myself, so only thing I will need after the overhaul is a four wheel alignment/wheel balance. Far as I can tell, the struts are original so I am guessing that I probably need to replace them too. When I have the car elevated, I can literally grab either of the rear wheels and push them up a few inches before I encounter enough resistance to stop me doing so. I can't help but think that probably is not correct and it should have more resistance. Was going to go ahead and replace the wheel bearings while I am in there and re-work the CV boots on the outside, while replacing the whole CV assembly on the inside. Pelican parts has a overhaul kit for about 2100 bucks and seems to have everything I would requite sans wheel bearings and struts. Am I doing the right thing by thinking this way? The car drives great, but it is 10 years old and has almost 90k on it. There has to be some wear and tear on the components. I would love to hear what you guys think....

[southernstar]

'Rocks in a tin can' doesn't sound like suspension components, unless it is sporadic rattles over bumps. While the suspension repair would be nice and would no doubt improve handling and ride, it is a lot of money if it does not correct the problem. Do you have a indy you trust? If not, it may even be worthwhile to go to the dealer for a diagnosis before you opt for that much money in parts. If the noise is constant at low speeds, even on smooth payment, I would think that it has to be something else.

If the CV joint boot on the passenger side (where the noise emanates from ) is torn and there is a clicking noise from that side when you move the axle, it strikes me that this is a good starting point (although I would expect you would also hear clunks/rattles when taking off from a standing start if the CV joint was gone.....). I would try to get a diagnosis from a mechanic experienced with these cars before jumping in with both feet.

Brad

[Southtxfarmer74]

I live out in the sticks, so I will need to take it to a shop in either Austin or san Antonio. There are a few good indie shops around and I think it might be time to finally get an opinion on what is going on from someone who knows what they are looking for.

[southernstar]

Agreed - and keep us posted!

Brad

[Southtxfarmer74]

Taking the car to Bob Jones Autowerks in San Antonio in a about a week or so. They told me that rattles were very common and in no way was it time to overhaul the suspension. We will see what they come up with.

[southernstar]

Glad to hear it, Southtx!

Brad