S40 2001 Auto - has 128k miles.

Have a continuiing problem where the car has thumping from the rear.

Have replaced all brake pads and all rotors in last 5k but problem still exists and have also replace rear tires without any success of removal of noise.

Can it be the calipers? When the rotors were replaced the calipers seemed to be fine. How can I check the bearings or is this a problem someone has experienced that has found a solution. It does not matter if it is cold or warmed up and it appears to be relative to the speed of the vehicle.

Any help is really appreciated.

 

Think about shocks, shock mounts, sway bar bushings and any other rubber parts that have been deteriorating over the last ten years.
Thumping as in: not rattling, clicking or grinding, has to do with some larger parts transferring noise to the body and that some rubber or other damping is worn or missing.
Ed

 

That person you locked in the trunk needs to get out!

The sound is rhythmic and related to speed but not RPM? Have you checked the exhaust system to see if it's secure?

 

That's what I was thinking.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I let the person out of the trunk and that helped, but sound is still there. I will now check all the bushings to see if any are worn and replace any that are suspect.

 

Please describe the thumping better. Happens only over bumps? Happens all the time? In sync with the speed of the car or the engine RPM? Loud or soft? Is noise consistent or intermittent?

 

Counselor 828, the thumping is in relation to the speed of the vehicle and it is not loud but of a constant noise level. It happens all the time the vehicle is moving and does not get more pronounced over bumps or any other road irregularity. It starts as soon as you move the vehicle and does not change once the vehicle is warmed up.

Thanks for your asking for more clarification.

 

Oh riight... fwd.

 

You really haven't described the sound. You could have a bum tire or a bad axle bearing.
Ed

 

I had similar sound turned out to be the rim