Weird Rattling Sound?

[toyotaman11]

I just recently installed rear struts on my 98 corolla with monroe quick struts. After the installation, the car has been running very nice for a couple of days. However starting today, I have been hearing a rattling from the right rear side all of the sudden.

I looked underneath at all the connections and everything seems good. I even replaced the stabilizer links. So, pretty much everything in regards to the suspension work seems alright.

However since the rattling started recently, I tend to think it was something I did. However maybe it is a coincidence?

Anyone have similar experiences or suggestions?

[mtrotter]

pull back seat again... check top nuts on struts.

check each side... check the three that hold it to the body of the car and check the big one that is in the center.

this is common for them to come loose with replacing struts.

[toyotaman11]

Thanks for the suggestion. I checked both sides and they were both very tight.

However I did happen to notice something. When I put the struts on at my friends house and came home, the struts and my toolbox were in the trunk. Adding about 80 lbs of weight. Now when my trunk is empty I hear the noise.

I tested this by actually lying in the trunk while my father drove the car around. No sounds at all. However once I got out, the sounds came back again.

The sounds sort of sound like a clanking rattling noise, as if something is loose.

[fishexpo101]

Well you've got it narrowed down - since the noise is only apparent when there is almost no load. Could be that the springs and struts have pushed up the ride height enough to cause contact between parts of the suspension and the body. Look around the sway bar, brake lines, parking brake cable, etc. Note anything that makes contact. Could be something completely unrelated - like something loose on the EVAP system or something on top of the gas tank or even a bad wheel bearing.

I'd double check the springs, to make sure that the isolator pads are making good contact between the spring and the strut body/upper mount. Probably a good idea to re-torque all the bolts/nuts while your down there - and physically mark them when done.