2000 Windstar with Thumping Noise in rear

I did a search and didn’t find anything close to this problem.

I have a 2000 Windstar with 130K miles. At speeds of 15-30 mph I can hear a thumping noise that seems to be coming from the left rear. The noise seems to go away at faster speeds, or at least it’s not noticeable. The noise is similar to the thumping noise made when having a bubble on a tire. It can’t be felt on the steering wheel, nor can it be felt through the seat of your pants. It can only be heard, not felt. The noise is more noticeable from the rear seat than it is from the front seat.

I’ve jacked up both rear wheels with weight on the suspension, then spinning the wheels by hand trying to detect any noise, also checked for any excessive up and down movement of the wheels, and I removed the wheels to inspect the tires for bubbles, – nothing found.

I thought about replacing the rear wheel bearing just in case, but the local parts store wants something like 85 bucks for the wheel bearing assembly. A little expense for a test, when not knowing if it will solve the problem.

Anyone else experience this problem? Any ideas of what the noise is?

DelC

Try rotating the wheels from the back to the front and see if the thump moves to the front.

Also, if you haven't recently done it ... remove the rear brake drums for an inspection. Have you replaced the rear shoes? Mine lasted 'til about 120 k miles.

You may be able to hear bad bearings while turning the rear hub (drum removed) by hand. Use a short length of hose as a stethoscope.

Try rotating the wheels from the back to the front and see if the thump moves to the front.
That's a good thought - I'll try it.

Thanks for the reply,

DelC

Also, if you haven't recently done it ... remove the rear brake drums for an inspection. Have you replaced the rear shoes? Mine lasted 'til about 120 k miles.

You may be able to hear bad bearings while turning the rear hub (drum removed) by hand. Use a short length of hose as a stethoscope.
I replaced the rear brake shoes and drums turned about 2K miles before the thump started. I had the drums off recently looking for a problem, didn't see anything out of order. I didn't think to turn the hub without the drum on, I'll try that.

Will a bad bearing cause a thumping sound? I've always experienced a whine or grinding noise with bad bearings, but that was on rear drive vehicles.

Thanks for the replies,

DelC

Bearings can cause "thumpings"... especially if they've been damaged by a blow with a hammer ... easy to do when removing drums.(?)

Does the volume of the "thump" change if you're turning right? ... left?

Bearings can cause "thumpings"... especially if they've been damaged by a blow with a hammer ... easy to do when removing drums.(?)

Does the volume of the "thump" change if you're turning right? ... left?
I can't remmeber it I hit the drums with a hammer when taking them off for the brake job or not, but I don't think so. Turning doesn't effect the thumping. It is related to wheel speed though, but once above about 45 it's not noticable.

Thanks for the reply,

DelC

I would have expected turning the vehicle, causing greater force on one wheel or the other, to cause a difference in the sound level.

Now I wonder if you have an issue other than bearings.

Could it be just an out of balance wheel?

Did you remember to unleash the dog from the back bumper? LOL

I took off the left rear wheel again and guess what. It had a bubble on it that I had missed seeing before - Problem solved.

DelC

have you had the rear shocks checked? They could very well be getting sloppy in the valving, if they have never been replaced. A sloppy shock will produce a thumping noise if you go over rough road at low speeds.