Clunking from the rear when going over bumps?

[adg44]

It seems like it's the convertible top or something similar, but I hear a clunking coming from the right rear of the car when I go over bumps. The previous owner took the car into the dealer for this and the report said they found it to be normal for the convertibles.

Can anyone confirm this?

- Anthony

[Fast Too]

Sure it is not coming from under the car like from a half shaft or a bad shock?

[adg44]

Originally Posted by Fast Too

Sure it is not coming from under the car like from a half shaft or a bad shock?

Not sure... it sounds like it's the convertible top clunking a bit, but I doubt it would move when it's latched down in place.

It sounds like a suspension clunk to be honest. It's pretty noticeable.

[PaViper]

It is not just the convertibles, my 06 coupe and my previous 04 Mamba vert had the same sound, right rear over choppy bumps.....have yet to find out what it is

[Bobpantax]

Since it is only over bumps, you might want to check the battery to see if it is secured properly. I have not heard of anyone having this problem but there is always a first time. I am assuming that you have a stock suspension - correct?

[29OUTLAW]

Just want to throw out there that when my passenger side seat belt is tangling behind the passenger seat, it rattles against the plastic piece behind the seat when I go over bumps. Took me a while to figure out where that noise was coming from.

[adg44]

Originally Posted by Bobpantax

Since it is only over bumps, you might want to check the battery to see if it is secured properly. I have not heard of anyone having this problem but there is always a first time. I am assuming that you have a stock suspension - correct?

The battery was previously replaced, so I will check that again. However isn't the battery on the drivers side?

And yes, I do have the stock suspension.

[TTviper]

I have an '08 black coupe and had a similar noise where there was a bind then release...

It was tracked down to a bushing with the RR sway bar...

--
Terra
08 Black Coupe

[adg44]

Originally Posted by 29OUTLAW

Just want to throw out there that when my passenger side seat belt is tangling behind the passenger seat, it rattles against the plastic piece behind the seat when I go over bumps. Took me a while to figure out where that noise was coming from.

Yeah, I've noticed that too. However, this is a much, much louder clunking noise.

[Fast Too]

Originally Posted by Bobpantax

Since it is only over bumps, you might want to check the battery to see if it is secured properly. I have not heard of anyone having this problem but there is always a first time. I am assuming that you have a stock suspension - correct?

Good suggestion, although the battery is on the left. I guess it could make one think it is the right corner. I'd check that to as Bob suggests. Who knows.....

[Bobpantax]

Originally Posted by adg44

The battery was previously replaced, so I will check that again. However isn't the battery on the drivers side?
And yes, I do have the stock suspension.

The battery is a bit to the left of the center as you face the rear of the car but I have found that the direction of the source of a sound is sometimes hard to determine in the Viper. Once you figure it out, please post.

[Peter Nielsen]

Originally Posted by 29OUTLAW

Just want to throw out there that when my passenger side seat belt is tangling behind the passenger seat, it rattles against the plastic piece behind the seat when I go over bumps. Took me a while to figure out where that noise was coming from.

I experienced the exact same thing in my '06 and never could figure out where the rattling sound came from. Since the rattle was way more obvious with the convertible top up, I incorrectly assumed it was the top that made the noise... Tom Sessions (my vipertech) quickly figured out that it was the seatbelt after taking the car for quick test drive

Anyway, I'd say that the seatbelt makes a rattle, not a clunk...

[adg44]

I'm starting to wonder if this problem isn't related to this: 3rd gear whine

[Viper Wizard]

This is what I have found for that right rear rattle: Remove you right rear inner fender well/skirt and directly above the tire you'll see a bolt hanging down, it will be a 13mm on top, see if that is loose? If so tighten it up and see if your rattle is gone? That bolt has been the source for rattles on 7 or 8 Vipers so far!

[adg44]

Originally Posted by Viper Wizard

This is what I have found for that right rear rattle: Remove you right rear inner fender well/skirt and directly above the tire you'll see a bolt hanging down, it will be a 13mm on top, see if that is loose? If so tighten it up and see if your rattle is gone? That bolt has been the source for rattles on 7 or 8 Vipers so far!

Great, thanks. I will check that when I flush the brake fluid hopefully this weekend.

- Anthony