My '98 windstar has a rattle from the rear that sounds like maybe the hatch is loose, except when you have someone else drive and go back there it is definitely coming from the driver's side rear tire area. I replaced the shocks and shook the suspension parts to look for something that is loose. I can't make the noise by bouncing the bumper while stopped. Do you think it might be a bad bearing or a loose brake shoe? Its not proportional to the speed really or grinding sound like you think of with a bad bearing. Rear wheel has no shimmy. Happens more on rough pavement.
Windstar rattle from the rear
- Thread starter Burt
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It is likely part of the real axel recall issued by Ford over the summer. I know Ford is trying to get them off the road, as a neighbor of mine was given a generous discount (forgot how much) when trading in his Windstar for a new Focus.
I'm taking it in for the axle recall on Friday, but I have looked at the axle and the rust is relatively light reflecting its time spent in texas. Also looked at a website where people posted pictures and locations of axle failures and all were way north of the mason dixon line and no comparison on corrosion.
"replaced the shocks"
After I replaced the shocks on my '96 windstar, I had the bolts tight.....but after a couple days I got noise......tightened the shock bolts (top and bottom) up again and they stayed tight.
Must have been "loaded" some strange way as they never rattled again.
Years later, I changed them again and did not have the issue.
Another thing to check is the rear wheel bearings, they should be "repacked" now and then.
A little play can create noise......as can a rust ridge on the inside edge of a rear brake drum......just beyond where the shoe rubs.
Maybe an inspection of the rear brakes is in order.....could even be a weak spring that holds a brake shoe in place (or parking shoe for rear disk).....
Just thought of another source of anoying noise.....those wheel covers with the plastic clips......clips break and your wheel cover can get really noisy.....lots of rattles.
After I replaced the shocks on my '96 windstar, I had the bolts tight.....but after a couple days I got noise......tightened the shock bolts (top and bottom) up again and they stayed tight.
Must have been "loaded" some strange way as they never rattled again.
Years later, I changed them again and did not have the issue.
Another thing to check is the rear wheel bearings, they should be "repacked" now and then.
A little play can create noise......as can a rust ridge on the inside edge of a rear brake drum......just beyond where the shoe rubs.
Maybe an inspection of the rear brakes is in order.....could even be a weak spring that holds a brake shoe in place (or parking shoe for rear disk).....
Just thought of another source of anoying noise.....those wheel covers with the plastic clips......clips break and your wheel cover can get really noisy.....lots of rattles.
Are these your wheels??
If so, I can almost guarantee it's the "hubcap" on those rims. This style seems to loosen up over time, and rattles like crazy!! I've already removed two. I'm sure our other two are not far behind.
If so, I can almost guarantee it's the "hubcap" on those rims. This style seems to loosen up over time, and rattles like crazy!! I've already removed two. I'm sure our other two are not far behind.
[censored]. Well, I tried
Okay, took it in for the axle recall and told them about the rattle. They tightened the shock absorber bolts and that took care of it. I had tried to tighten them before and then read where they would rattle if you got it too tight, so I had loosened them. But whatever, its fixed now.
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