Was at the mechanic today trying to track down the source of a clunking thudding sound in the rear of my car. We couldn't find any worn bushes but when we were inspecting the wheel, there was alot of play when you push the wheel in or out and it also made that thudding sound which lead my mechanic to suggest that the wheel bearing was on its way out.

My question is could a bad wheel bearing cause this thudding sound?

 

The thud is probably the differential. I think this is normal as my 7 does it, my mothers 350z does it, and my friends mustang gt does it. If the car is in neutral and you pop the clutch out with the engine running, do u hear the thud sound?

 

Yes when the car is in neutral and I let the clutch out and begin to come to a stop I can hear the rear wheels just thudding along but this does not happen when I'm down gearing to a stop.