Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

[Grafix]

Hi,
When the rear axle goes into compression - especially if the van is loaded up - we sometimes get a real heavy 'bang/thump' from somewhere under the middle/rear - sounds really terrible when it happens, its not a light knock - its a proper 'bang'.

Trouble is I can't trace it to save my life - its not something you can make happen on the driveway because it needs the van to really drop into its spring travel to do it - so it always happens when we are barrelling along.

Anybody got any ideas of what might be the cause and how I might/could 'test' for it?

Any suggestions gratefully received!

[wonkanoby]

missing bump stops

broken anti rool bar brackets

worn bushes in same

[helen&tony]

Hi
Bump stops....also the older Bongos are a bit more prone to bottoming than later ones
Cheers
Helen

[Grafix]

Great - thanks for the pointers - I'll get under the van tonight and have a squint - be a nice 'simple' fix if it is the bump-stops are missing/sheared.

Cheers.

[Rebiam]

I had the same - it was the anti roll bar bracket.





Mine was easy to see as it had bent completely but if it has just gone it may be hard to spot.

[Simon Jones]

Could be the exhaust hitting the floor or axle. Check condition of the rubber mounts.

[mikeonb4c]

Sounds exactly like bump stops to me. I'm still missing one. You really have to watch dips in the road when fully loaded.

[Northern Bongolow]

they usually bump if they are present lol. i made some softer hitting ones with a little more give in them to stop such a hard hit.

[mikeonb4c]

they usually bump if they are present lol. i made some softer hitting ones with a little more give in them to stop such a hard hit.

I've often wondered if that was the case. Air assistors seem the only real cure by all accounts.

[Grafix]

Ok - The advice on here was exactly right - both bumpstops are missing - that would explain it.....

So - where to source replacements - I have seen genuine new mazda parts advertised so far - at 40 pounds each - are there any alternatives (cheaper alternatives.....) out there?

Cheers,

[helen&tony]

Hi
Here:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bongospares2012?_rdc=1
Ask and ye shall be delighted with the service
Cheers
Helen

[Grafix]

Thank you!

Email sent - will post on here when I get a reply.

[Northern Bongolow]

give him a ring, ask for george.

good seller.

[windywatson]

Hi,

Older vans tend to have more relaxed rear coil springs due to age. My van regulary hit the stops when going over sleeping policeman when loaded.
Best cure is to do as I have done and as have many owners and fit spring assistors. Fixes the problem & improves handleing.

Cheers