My shocks have been making a rattling noise for several thousand miles finally got it checked out I have 21500 miles on my car , they ordered new shocks and mounts car was quiet for about 300 miles and guess what the rattling is back so back to the dealer again I shouldn't complain this is the first issue I've had with this car other than the harsh downshifting automatic which they say that's the way it is . Anybody else have rattling rear shocks ? It's very annoying sound
Rattling rear shocks
- Thread starter illsonic
- Start date
Natesriv
Lead Foot
Unless they didn't tighten the upper mount or the upper shock bolt (which seems improbable) you'll still hear it.... I've dug into that setup more than once
Shock Absorber Excel G Rear KYB 343459 Fits 12 13 Chevrolet Sonic | eBay. Easy diy with universal shock tool from auto parts store
Shock Absorber Excel G Rear KYB 343459 Fits 12 13 Chevrolet Sonic | eBay. Easy diy with universal shock tool from auto parts store
Natesriv
Lead Foot
I'm not sure...I'm suspecting shock design.. I did notice, early on, that in warm weather, I heard hardly any rattling/popping. But in cooler/cold weather it got worse...making me suspect it was a fluid movement issue inside the shock itself...but why we all don't hear it I can't say... Bad batch?? 
Here's the shock with the mount on the left. The mount bolts into the body with two bolts... they only tighten until "tight"...no gasket or adjustments
Here's the top of the mount, the shock just fits into a hole in the top of the mount (only so far), and then the nut at the top secures it. Tight is tight, no adjustment room or anything here
Here's the OEM and the KYB side by side. The ONLY company I ever saw making a direct replacement is KYB and they're $60 each, but it solved my problem*
The rest of the rear hatch area (are you a hatchback owner?) is just bare metal with a BCM, some wiring, grommets, carpet, spare tire (make sure that's tightened down!), carpeting & plastic covers... In short, nothing that is free to rattle. I tried all sorts of variations to see if I could turn it on/off (seats up/down, spare in/out, hatch open/closed, etc.. nothing.)
*When I replaced my rear shocks I also lowered the car so I cannot say 100% that the shocks were the ticket, but I've no reason to suspect they weren't.
Here's the shock with the mount on the left. The mount bolts into the body with two bolts... they only tighten until "tight"...no gasket or adjustments
Here's the top of the mount, the shock just fits into a hole in the top of the mount (only so far), and then the nut at the top secures it. Tight is tight, no adjustment room or anything here
Here's the OEM and the KYB side by side. The ONLY company I ever saw making a direct replacement is KYB and they're $60 each, but it solved my problem*
The rest of the rear hatch area (are you a hatchback owner?) is just bare metal with a BCM, some wiring, grommets, carpet, spare tire (make sure that's tightened down!), carpeting & plastic covers... In short, nothing that is free to rattle. I tried all sorts of variations to see if I could turn it on/off (seats up/down, spare in/out, hatch open/closed, etc.. nothing.)
*When I replaced my rear shocks I also lowered the car so I cannot say 100% that the shocks were the ticket, but I've no reason to suspect they weren't.
Last edited:
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
Lots of comments about noise from front end links, but my noise has been from the rear, sounds like a loose upper shock mount. Have not gone back to dealer yet for the issue, but glad to hear that it is real and not just my imagination
If you do decide to take your Sonic into the dealership, and need any additional assistance, please let me know! We would be happy to assist in any way possible.
Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care
KartRacer
Member
OH CRAP, MISREAD YOUR COMMENT, YOU ARE OF COURSE CORRECT,
Natesriv, that is not accurate. You can change any part on the car that does not make failures likely. Change exhaust, lighting, interior pcs, stereo. You only run into a problem when power adding components are installed which lead to excessive stress on other components. Needless to say they are not going to replace speakers if you add a amp and blow them up. Even upgrade intakes have no problem with warranty.
KartRacer
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
TurboTechRacing
Supporting Vendor
Anyone want a group buy on upgraded shocks/struts?
I just had a new rattle in the back on my hatch, searched and found this thread. I was wondering if the shock had loosened up or something but it seems to come/go, so the shock itself maybe as mentioned the culprit. I have had KYB on a shadow and they are good, mine raised the car a little with the gas charge (!) and rode more stiffly, but that's a performance shock for you. I may try a dealer replacement but the dang noise is more not there than there, so don't want to waste my time.
