After reading thisforum, I have finally decided my clunking sound from the rear of the car in certain low speed conditions is caused by the rear shocks. My question is this. Is this a safety issue, or just something to bug me? Do I need to repair this, or just keep riding?

2001 SE with 110,000 miles on it.

Thaks for your help.
Bill

My 2001 SE with 105000 miles has been doing it for about 30,000 miles and 2 years.... Yup, I should get that fixed!!! It definitely doesn't seem to be a safety issue...just annoying.

Thanks for your comment. I guess it gets to be a question of what is more annoying, listening to the clunking, or spending the money to repair it. Anoyone have an idea od what ith cost?

It could also be the shock mounts making the noise. They have been known to go. As far as a safety issue, that depends on your definition of that. Any worn suspension item, including shocks, is going to affect the ride and handling of the car, as well as increased tire wear and wear on other suspension parts.

This clunking hasn't effect handling on my car at all. And tire wear is very even. Of course, I rotate them.

Question: Can a visual inspection detect damaged/worn/defective shock mounts?

I had the clunk on the passenger side. Replaced last fall (in addition to a loose adjuster arm) the shocks and mounts with Monroes Max Airs and Monroe mounts on both sides but the clunk very soon returned on the passenger side and then later both sides now clunk.

I can handle the miriad of other little problems this car has but this constant clunking is driving me crazy!

Please also advise if anything else should be replaced to improve rear suspension, i.e. bushings, springs, and what part # or poss cost. 155,000 miles on the car and would prefer to avoid a stealership visit.

I'd appreciate any ideas/advice.

We had at least one member send the Monroe mounts back because they were noisy, and still clunked. The ones that I bought are noisy, in particular in cold weather. I don't know if anyone has had better luck with any of the after-market mounts.

I had the same clunk. Really bad on uneven pavement. Dealer couldn't find it at first. Then he replaced the driver side shock mount. That didn't fix the problem, and before they returned the car to me they decided it was the shock itself. Once they replaced the shock everything was fine. I don't know if a GXP has a different shock setup.
Mine was really annoying and noisy especially with people in the back seat or luggage
in the trunk. I'd fix it unless you are going to trade the car soon.