Clunking noise at rear of car

at first I thought it was coming from the right rear, now I'm not so sure. Very slow clunking, only at lower speeds, doesn't do it all the time, if I shift load to the right by steering left it stops. Seem to get some other light noises from time to time with bumps but not as serious as this clunking noise. Historically is it more likely to be a wheel bearing, the differential, axles or what? I really don't think it's the tires (I've seen that opinion elsewhere). If this makes sense: the frequency of the clunking seems like it's relative to the revolutions of the tire not the drive shat (I have no justification for this assumption other than the mathematical difference in the revolutions of the tires to the drive shaft). It's just a feeling...thanks guys

btw my rotors are shot if that could be it...

When you say "shift weight" it makes me want to say sub frame bushing....

I would guess, rear haft shafts, once they start to go they will clunk. The rear sub frame tends to just clunk at start up. Also if you need one or 2 I have sued ones for 25 each and I have good rear rotors for 15 each. All plus shipping. The rotors fit into a 15 dollar flat rate box. The haft shafts are 26lbs each.


Andy

Could be the rear coilover tophat too. But really, this is going to be almost impossible to diagnose over the internet. Would pay to replace the rotors, though unlikely to solve the problem, and while you are in there look for anything out of place. Could also be related to the exhaust which runs very close to the rear valance on the left hand side

Clunking in the rear?!?

I'd check:
rear pitman arms
rear strut mounts
Subframe bushings

IIRC one of these three (God forbid all three) would commonly cause what your experiencing. Now I do remember someone say their issue dealt with the drive train in the rear. But I forgot which part caused it. Sorry if I couldn't be of any help.

To check rear wheel bearing. Jack the car up and grab the top of wheel and the bottom and see if the wheel wobbles. If so you need bearings.

Andy

Hello Folks The bumping in the rear is likely to be the "Rubber donut" supporting the drive shaft
in Nz The part retails $100-$150
My latest BMW 540i Makes a low speed bumping sound which has slowly become louder more offen.....Dealership found rubber donut cracked......:

on mild exceleration @ 20kmh a light "thumping sound" about 9-12 times, then as rear of car raises/levels or car straightens up from L/h turn
last 3 thumps fade away.....until next start/stop

I was told it is an easy job....

Update...E34 540i Drive shaft noise: Both rear transmision mounts have ripped (cotton reel type) Once replaced,....Found Bearing on Drive shaft "Colapsed"
Allowing Transmision to move enough underload To cause "donut" to Bump on the floor (possibily reason for torn rear mounts)

The Bumping noise that I felt was not excessive in sound....(I Owned only 2 days & just 34km) However Mechanic suggested "This fault could get really bad really fast"
Possibily cause damage to tranmission tailhousing damage or even to crack, with continued use......

Also thanks too those that suggested the seat cable repair E34 L/h front passengers seat (RHD) I have just purchase
what is called Lazur-bleu (Blue....to Purple in the sun) Lowered slightly 1993 E34 BMW 540i
" I was concerned only laid back people could ride with Me"

Originally Posted by Black Water

at first I thought it was coming from the right rear, now I'm not so sure. Very slow clunking, only at lower speeds, doesn't do it all the time, if I shift load to the right by steering left it stops. Seem to get some other light noises from time to time with bumps but not as serious as this clunking noise. Historically is it more likely to be a wheel bearing, the differential, axles or what? I really don't think it's the tires (I've seen that opinion elsewhere). If this makes sense: the frequency of the clunking seems like it's relative to the revolutions of the tire not the drive shat (I have no justification for this assumption other than the mathematical difference in the revolutions of the tires to the drive shaft). It's just a feeling...thanks guys

btw my rotors are shot if that could be it...

I have just dealt with this kind of rear cluncking you described , for me it was the rear brake pads where lose , the inside brake tensioner usually looses its tension and clunks and rattles as you drive . I just spread those 3 tension fingers and re-insert them back . Providing that you have good pads , if nor replace them with your bad rotors . Yeah sounds bad but its a simple fix.
Hope that works for ya
Noel

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