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Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 11:02 am
by 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'. :shock:

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!

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:01 pm
by wonkanoby
missing bump stops

broken anti rool bar brackets

worn bushes in same

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:20 pm
by helen&tony
Hi
Bump stops....also the older Bongos are a bit more prone to bottoming than later ones
Cheers
Helen

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:48 pm
by 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.

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 12:58 pm
by Rebiam
I had the same - it was the anti roll bar bracket.

Image



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

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:28 pm
by Simon Jones
Could be the exhaust hitting the floor or axle. Check condition of the rubber mounts.

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 2:25 pm
by 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.

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 8:49 pm
by 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.

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:39 pm
by mikeonb4c
Northern Bongolow wrote: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. :roll:

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:51 am
by 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? [-o<

Cheers,

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:06 am
by helen&tony
Hi
Here:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bongospares2012?_rdc=1
Ask and ye shall be delighted with the service
Cheers
Helen

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:15 am
by Grafix
Thank you!

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

:)

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:59 pm
by Northern Bongolow
give him a ring, ask for george.

good seller. 8) 8)

Re: Rear axle - heavy 'thump'?

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:21 pm
by 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