I have been chasing down a popping noise in the rear end for a while. It happens when you apply the brakes or accelerate for a stop. It is actually 2 sounds that happen at almost exactually the same time. I have had it in the shop and they replaced the trailing arms, that didn't help. Then they told me it was the upper control arm and to have it aligned ard tightened. Didnt help. The other day I was listening to it and for some reason I decided to check the rear strut bar since it sounds like it was comming from the top of the suspension.Anyway, the bar was tight on both sides, but when I remved it (just the bar in the middle) it went away. I put it back on and it returned (although not as bad). Any ideas???

 

Maybe your strut bar is stiffening the chassis to a point where something else is rattling (i.e. it's the cause, not the culprit). Check your rear pillow ball joints as they seem to have a tendency to go out. Your rear diff bushings might also be something to look at.

I've been meaning to replace a number of bushings for some time now, but as always it's a money/time thing :/ Let us know what you find!

 

Mine made noise and I tightened the top strut bolt. I guess they backed out a bit. Sound went away.