Clunking/creaking sounds from rear

[arcter]

So for a while I've had some strange creaking sounds coming from the rear of the car when I go around sharp right turns. I didn't think much of it because the car didn't feel any different.

Today on the highway though I noticed some weird clunking sort of sounds. I can't tell what exactly makes them happen, because I heard them first on an on-ramp going around a right turn and then I heard them later when I was going down the highway at above 80mph.

My first idea was something in the trunk, so I got out and found a piece of the jackstand was loose and just free to clunk around in the back. So I fixed that and continued. I didn't hear anything until much later I thought I heard something but it was so brief I wasn't sure.

Then I got home and went around a sharp right turn in my neighborhood, and instead of the usual creaking sound, it was like a weird rapid succession of clunking sounds. Didn't feel weird, just made a bad sound.

Any ideas? I've got these "Gas Ryder" shocks the P.O. installed and I don't know how old they are. Or maybe struts?

[arcter]

I found that one of the things holding the muffler in place came loose totally. Looks like I need to weld them back on there. Could that have been my problem?

[///m42 sport]

not sure, check diff fluid level? any bolts missing in the rear end?

[BlueBMW]

I had an exhaust bracket break free and it made a terrible rattle / clunk noise.  Also maybe check your rear shock mounts?

[4banger]

check shock mounts halfshaft boots and wheelbearings. any of those 3 can make a racket.

[///m42 sport]

Oh yeah, rear shock mounts for sure.  They give out suddenly.  and its a easy fix.

[arcter]

Thanks guys. I can rule out wheel bearings, did those pretty recently. I'll fix the exhaust bracket and see if it helps. I looked under the car but I'm by no means a mechanic, and didn't notice anything other than the exhaust bracket. Would there be an easy way to check for these other problems?

[4banger]

the halfshaft boots are easy to check. jackup aside at a time and have someon turn the wheel while you look at the axle. there is two boots on each shaft. the outer(nearest to the wheel) ususaly are the ones that crack tear.

[///digitalme]

i have a similar clunking sound coming from the rear but its only when i shift, transmission mounts are good, i know my diff mount is no good...would that be part of the problem?
i was also told maybe subframe bushings?

so i think you should check all those things out as well

[z3frog]

When I had clunking sounds from the rear of my car while turning to one side, it was the backing plate the parking brake attached to. Try to jack the rear up and tap on the rear of the parking drake drum and see if you get any noises!  I broke my plate on the left rear going over a big pothole, had to get it replaced.