Rear popping noise but all new pillowballs
 

I've got a more or less constant low-volume popping coming from the rear suspension - sounds like the passenger side. Basically any movement elicits some pops or clunks, i.e. You notice it right away backing out of the driveway or driving in a straight line.

All six pillowballs were recently replaced in back, so I think they're not the likely culprit at this point. I DO have an oil weep from the diff side seals - they're on the list to fix but could that be causing this noise? Seems like diff issues usually come into play when turning.

What other likely causes should I be thinking about?

The car has a koni/ground control suspension and blue aftermarket toe links and trailing arms that look like the RP kit. Stock sway and links.

just because they're new doesn't mean they were installed properly.

Had it done at PFS, sooo... :(

Sigh.

Could be many things, maybe take it back to PFS to have them take a look?

that's what i would do, it's easily possible any one of the suspension mounts were left loose during reassembly which would cause clunking/popping in the rear.

The question is, was it making the noise before you had the pillow balls installed?

I think it's made the noise since I got the car, before and after the pillowball replacement. But it was one of the first things I had done.

I was hoping for "Yeah, of course its the diff seals you idiot!" for the sake of simplicity. Sounds like I'll break out the torque wrench and start checking things from scratch.

I'll give Bret at RP over at Summit Point a shout if I need help on the work. :)

Is a constant "clunk clunk clunk" or is it on acceleration and deceleration or when turning or jeering the car?

Multiple small pop-pop-clunks over just about any road imperfection.

Check ur struts and springs

My car was making pretty poor popping noises--two reputable shops told me pillowballs were fine. Rear shocks reportedly blown though -- could be that!

Jack the rear end up

And shake the wheel. If the pillow balls or toe links are bad you should be able to feel, hear or see something.

1st guess would be diff mounts so see if you see anything wet near them they could be leaking/damaged. They are filled with fluid and will leak when they are damaged.

Also as someone else mentioned your shocks may not be installed properly or may be damaged so take the access cover off and make sure the rod isn't loose or moving.

Check the shocks, toe links, trailing arms, and all the suspension bolts. Diff mount bushings and ppf too. I've also seen cases where someone pressed the pillow balls from the wrong side of the control arm and cracked the arm.

I think I need to take a good look at the shock/spring. I just found out I can reproduce the noise by pushing down on the rear passenger fender. Shoulda tried that first!

Fritz, when you say the access cover, you just mean the plastic cover for the suspension tower in the hatch, right?