Automatic, 185K. Loud knocking sound  from the rear especially when I let off the gas but will do it a little under power. Especially bad on our terrible corduroy roads. One shop says it's the rear struts and wants $600 to replace. Searched some on the net and think it might just be the top mounting plate for the strut(s). Saw a video by  "Eric the carguy"  that made me think it might be something simple. I  can actually feel the knocking when it's really bad. Any thoughts/suggestions appreciated ! 

Struts don't typically knock when transitioning from accel to decel or vice versa, unless you're hopping the back end of the car. If the mounts are making noise you'll be able to see the upper cushion move when you bounce the car around. Pull the trim out of the back that covers the strut towers and remove the three nuts that hold the cover plate. Remove the cover plate, Put the nuts back then bounce the car around and watch the large nut in the center for movement.

If it moves, stock your finger on top of it and see if you can feel it knock when it moves.

 

 

Trailing arm bushings will make clunking/knocking when transitioning. Worn axles can as well.

Edited October 6, 201510 yr by Fairtax4me

Thanks for the response ! I  really don't think it's the struts....

if they are original, I assure you they are 'bad'. (struts do often deteriorate slowly, but if you regularly drive on bad roads, for 185K miles, no way your struts are working well.)

 

doesn't mean something else isn't wrong - bad diff mount bushings and rear bushings for the front lower control arms def. need inspecting.

 

maybe post your city in a new thread and ask for a shop near you. get some experienced eyes on your suspension parts.

Edited October 7, 201510 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Thanks again !

could also be the rear diff bushings