Rattle from the back passenger side

[Oliver S.]

I took my '65 for the first ride this year and all was great. The next day my wife accompanied me and then a rattle/creaking was to be heard from the back passenger side when accelerating after stopping or driving slowly. The rattle was not rhytmical but seemed to be rather generated by the changed load in the drive train. When driving a bit faster - 60 mph - everything was fine when breaking a bit and then accelerating again. We drove home and I checked the play of the drive shafts (car not jacked but no break and gear engaged) - no play present. The shocks (AC Delco 6.000 mls, 10 years old) have play when you rock them horizontally. I have already Koni classics here and they don't have this specific play. I'm not sure if I'm on the right way assuming the shocks to be the culprit so what else could it be?

Regards
Oliver

[Philip A.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

Oliver
I had similar problem with a non-corvette. Check the exhaust system on that side for anything loose or close to touching. Also, should state whether coupe or convertible. If latter, could be something with that assembly.
Phil

[Domenic T.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

I agree with Philip, the exhaust is routed thru the frame and is a likely culpret.

Dom

[Mark E.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

Does the noise occur only when there's a passenger?

If then, it may be from an unsprung component (shock, shock mount, spring, trailing arm, strut rod, etc.) or something hitting an unsprung component.

[Mark E.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

You also might check the spare tire and its tub. That assembly is known to rattle.

[Bill L.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

HI:

You probably won't be too thrilled with this possibility but -----

Some time back a friend of mine had a 67 coupe with a rattle and creaking sound on acceleration coming from the back (passenger side).

We looked at "EVERYTHING" and no luck finding the problem.... then another Corvette friend suggested that the package stop might have been broken or cracked --- we pulled the carpet off of that area and found that the fiberglass in that area was indeed cracked and loose -- causing the rattle and creaking on acceleration...... repair of that area solved the problem.....

Just one more thing to check ---- good luck with your search ---

Regards
Bill

[Oliver S.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

Bill,

Sorry, but what/where is the package stop?

Cheers
Oliver

[Bill L.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

Bill,

Sorry, but what/where is the package stop?

Cheers
Oliver

Hi Oliver:

The package stop is the low bulkhead behind the seats ---- here is a photo from my '67 coupe ---



On the car I mentioned previously that low bulkhead (package stop) had separated from the floor and fender kick up area --- so every time you accelerated it would pop and crack --- sounded like it was coming from the bottom of the car ----

Here is a photo of the area when the car was under restoration.....



Regards
Bill

[Frank D.]

Re: Rattle from the back passenger side

If its a non-sidepipe car check the exhaust tip clearance through the rear valence trim pieces.
I chased a weird rattle down to that area which was quickly resolved with some clamp adjustments..