clucking noise in clunking from rear end of 2018 volt

3377 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by sringlee, Jan 30, 2019

pbprider

Discussion Starter · Jan 18, 2019 (Edited by Moderator)

Hi, my first post. I have a new volt with 600 miles on it. I've noticed a clucking noise from rear of the car (maybe right?)when driving on rough roads or going over a bump, like rr tracks or bridge abutments. The dealer has acknowleged the noise and seen the car. They have proposed a GM fix which addresses a creaking noise in the rear axle. The fix requires drilling a hole, spraying in some lube and coverong the hole with special rivets (on order so the the fix has not been done). The sound is like two hard objects banging together and dose not sound like a creak to me. When I questioned this solutions he said this is where we start. Has anyone else experienced this noise. No noise on smooth roads, no difference between gas and electic or speed.

I've had a Prius in the past and this car is so much more than that. I'm pleased with the car, but anxious about dealing with a noise that may be difficult to correct.

Thanks, Dale

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wssix99

· #2 · Jan 20, 2019

Is your inflator kit (under the rear deck) still in its bubble wrap and plastic packaging? Or has it been put in to the carrying bag?

Some 2018's were delivered without a cardboard spacer that is supposed to go in that carrying bag. Without it, all the inflator pieces in the kit will move and rattle around. There is a TSB out for the problem.

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KenC

· #3 · Jan 20, 2019

Have someone sit in the back while you drive it and try to locate the noise. Or better yet, let someone drive it while you sit in the back locating the sound. Most sounds from the back are due to the hatch not being seated tightly. Hopefully, it's something easy to correct.

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Steverino

· #4 · Jan 20, 2019

I agree with the ideas of checking for lose items under the cargo floor as well as checking the hatch tightness. Sitting in the rear while someone else drives is good too. Could even by a lose muffler caused by a bad hanger or possibly a bad strut. There are only so many things that could go bang when going over a bump.

Otherwise, the dealer will follow the GM process. It will either address the issue or it won't. If it doesn't they will look for another culprit.

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Toshtogo

· #5 · Jan 20, 2019

My 2018 was making similar sounds. I turned the lift back bumpers about one turn counter clockwise and that took care of it. The bumpers are on the lift back not the body.

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pbprider

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 23, 2019

Thank-you all very much, It was a poor hatchback adjustment. I found the adjustable bumpers (thanks to your feedback) on the r/l of the hatch and extended the right. The noise went away. I have yet to speak to the dealer, but am still dumbfounded that they were going to drill a hole in the axle and spray lub in it for a rattle. Thanks again everyone. I'll start with this forum for any info I need on my car in the future. I love the car and anxious to see in perform in warmer weather.

Dale
WRJ, Vermont

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snic

· #7 · Jan 23, 2019

pbprider said:
Thank-you all very much, It was a poor hatchback adjustment. I found the adjustable bumpers (thanks to your feedback) on the r/l of the hatch and extended the right. The noise went away. I have yet to speak to the dealer, but am still dumbfounded that they were going to drill a hole in the axle and spray lub in it for a rattle. Thanks again everyone. I'll start with this forum for any info I need on my car in the future. I love the car and anxious to see in perform in warmer weather.

Dale
WRJ, Vermont

This clunking noise is one the most common complaints that new Volt owners have, yet somehow it's not the first thing the dealer thinks of. So it could be dealer stupidity, a possibility one should never underestimate. On the other hand, they'd get compensated by GM for providing warranty service for doing the whole axle lube bit, but not (or not as much) for adjusting the bumpers. So it could be dealer fraud, a possibility one should ALSO never underestimate.

I suggest you find a different dealer. And if GM sends you a survey about your dealer experience, be sure to be unsparing in your honest assessment.

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KenC

· #8 · Jan 24, 2019

I know, crazy! I've had hatchbacks since the early 80s, so it's the first thing I think of when there's a noise in the back.

pbprider said:
Thank-you all very much, It was a poor hatchback adjustment. I found the adjustable bumpers (thanks to your feedback) on the r/l of the hatch and extended the right. The noise went away. I have yet to speak to the dealer, but am still dumbfounded that they were going to drill a hole in the axle and spray lub in it for a rattle. Thanks again everyone. I'll start with this forum for any info I need on my car in the future. I love the car and anxious to see in perform in warmer weather.

Dale
WRJ, Vermont

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FI Spyder

· #9 · Jan 24, 2019

Never had to adjust any of my hatchbacks going back to 1985 (continuous use of hatchbacks).

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sringlee

· #10 · Jan 30, 2019

I had the same issue in my 2018 Premier when it was cold. By turning the hatch rubber bumpers a half turn at a time, I eliminated the noise.

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