Car question: Lately my car has been making drum beat like noises

[Raven]

that seem to be coming from the rear of the car. Last night on my way home on a very dark country road the noises got much louder. I made it home and rented a car today until I can get my car looked at. I'm wondering if it's the suspension or struts (if there are such things) and if I've overreacted. Any ideas?

[HopeHoops]

1. Do you have a teenage boy?

If so, check the trunk for a subwoofer.

[flvegan]

2. These "drum beats" Did they speed up/slow down as the car did, or

did they occur at a tempo no matter the speed? Also did they occur when you hit bumps or made turns?

[Raven]

5. I especially noticed them when I made turns and slowed down.

[flvegan]

8. Hmm...from the back, huh?

What's the car (make/model)?

[XemaSab]

11. My car has been making a similar noise

and it's a Toyota.

I had the axle replaced last year, so that's not it. :(

[NightWatcher]

3. here's some help

http://www.cartalk.com/

let us know when your call will be on, and be prepared to make the noises for them

[trof]

4. I'll listen for you on 'Click and Clack' Saturday.

This a classic Car Talk question.
And DO tell them your name is 'Raven' so we'll know it's you.
They'll have great fun with the name.
:-)

[Raven]

6. Jesus Trof, they'll just laugh at me! What do I do from now till then?

[Capn Sunshine]

9. have it looked at

could be suspension related, could be drive train related (ie U-joints or gears) Neither good in winter.

[KittyWampus]

12. they would not laugh at you... or they would... but they're two liberal brothers in Boston

who really do have a gift for mechanics.

[trof]

18. Aw, they laugh at EVERYBODY.

Do it!

[phasma ex machina]

15. +1

[mopinko]

7. check your tires.

they can make weird noises when they go bad.

[REP]

10. Bearings?

Front end could be tie rod, steering rack, CV joints.

On edit: only familiar with these problems in front wheel drive. Drive a rear drive now and knocking wood I never find out what they're like!

[JanMichael]

13. Axles

probably. There are a lot of (kinda cheap) mechanical stuff that can go wrong with axles and wheel bearings. It's not going to be expensive, but you are smart not to drive it till your mechanic fixes it.

[old mark]

14. could be a wheel coming off-it has happened to me after I got a flat fixed and

the guy fixing it forgot to tighten the lug nuts.

Check yer nuts, man.

mark

[Mopar151]

16. What he said!

If the nuts are tight, and hold the wheel on tightly - grab the top of each wheel/tire, and try to shake it in and out. if you can feel much of any looseness, you have bearing/axle/suspension issues, and need to get them sorted by a skilled mechanic. There are quite a few specialised tools involved in "undercar" work, and plenty of hammering and swearing - and it's got to be done right, or the damm wheels really do pass you!

[Dogtown]

17. Check the trunk.

Before he runs out of air.