I have a 2002 Xtype, 2.5, 137,000 miles. It has developed a strange rumble noise when I take my foot off the accelerator; kind a low thumping noise, their is no noticeable drive line or brake issues upon examination nor are the cv boots ripped.

There also is a creaking noise from the right rear when you get in the car or go over bumps. I had these problem a year ago but got rid of it by dousing all of the rear control arm bushing with marine gear lube from a pump bottle.

I don't think these problems are related.

Does anyone have an idea of what this noise would be?


Thank You

 

my first thought is rear bearings.
Take your car to a shop and have them put it up on the lift with someone in the drivers seat.
put the car in drive and have them run about 30mph.
now listen

caution this will trip your check engine light as the wheels are not rotating at the same speed but a good shop can reset that for you.

this is how i diagnosed the bearing in my Transfer case Pep boys did the check for me at no charge [I kind of gave them the impression they would be doing the work ]

 

+1 to Paul's suggestion. Also, a wheel bearing (front or rear) will often make noise during a hard left or hard right turn at ~30 mph or so.

To locate the squeak, roll the rear tires onto ramps, lie on your back under the rear axle, and push up as if you were bench pressing the back of the car. No need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger..... an 1/8 to 1/4 inch movement is all it takes to get it squeaking. To isolate the source, grab the control arms, sway bar, linkages, axles, springs, etc. with your gloved hand as you rock the car until you literally feel the part that's vibrating / squeaking.

If a bushing is squeaking, lubrication will quiet it for a little while, but the real solution is new bushings. In most cases, it's only a few more $'s and a lot less effort to replace the entire part, e.g., install new control arms vs. trying to replace only the worn bushings.

Also check in front of both rear tires for the circular brackets that support the emergency brake cables. When the rear moves up & down, these brackets can squeak like an old bed as the e-brake cables slide across the nylon support brackets. A dab of grease easily quiets this squeak.

 

The rumble could be transfer box/Diff, shaft coupling or a wheel bearing.
Not exactly sure how to check which: except visual for shaft donut and usual wheel bearing check.

 

Bonstongrun, the creaking that you are hearing is most likely coming from the upper body mount in the rear of the car. If you take a look at TSB XT204-01, it talks about what is needed to fix the issue, down to part numbers and anything else you might be interested in. If you need a copy of the TSB, PM me your e-mail addy and I will e-mail it to you

 

Have you seen the Mrs lately?