Questions and Answers
Skylark Noise
Q. Hey there, I have a 1987 Buick Skylark (automatic transmission) with about 170,000 miles on it. About one week ago, I started to hear a sound coming from the left rear of the car every time I went over a bump or a crack in the street.
Just yesterday, when I was driving, I would hit a bump then hear a sound like metal dragging on the ground for about a block or so. The noise was still coming from the left rear (by the tire) and when I pulled over and looked under the car, it didn't look as if there was anything hanging from the bottom of the car. I noticed that the sound was minimal when I brake before hitting the bump and went really slow (below 30 MPH). It does not make a sound when I am just driving, only when I go over a bump or hit a pothole.
I got the car used and never checked the shocks, do you think it could be that?
I would really appreciate it if you can let me know what you think is wrong with the car.
Thank you,
SungPS-what is a strut and how does it differ from shocks?
A. Not having heard the noise I can only guess at the most likely cause. Since the exhaust runs down that side of the car I would have to guess it is the muffler or pipe that is moving around. You can grab the end of the tail pipe and see how much it moves around. It's very possible one or more of the exhaust hangers are broken and the exhaust is not secured. The noise manifesting itself on bumps would tend to confirm this theory. In any case it would be a good idea to put the car on a lift and have the whole undercarriage checked out.
In MacPherson Struts, the shock absorber is built into the strut. The strut consists of a shock absorber unit, a coil spring, an upper pivot, and a lower clamp. The upper pivot mounts to the fender well. The rest of the unit rotates when the steering is used. The lower clamp secures the spindle and the strut together into a solid unit. Most shock absorber struts are hydraulic units. Some use low-pressure, gas to absorb energy. These are usually nonadjustable and nonrefillable. Like the shock absorber, faulty units must be replaced as an assembly.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
