We just boughta 2005 Chevy Malibu and I hear a rattling noise from the rear of the car. I notice it the most when braking? Anyone know what this could be? I don't notice anything loose in the back and the jack and spare tire are secure.

 

Is it when turning, going over a bump, idling or what? It could be a million things. It could be rear strut mounts, sway bar bushings, exhaust sheilds or even the muffler... I could think of a ton of things. For all you know it could be a window regulator. Please be more specific as to where its coming from other then the rear. Does it sound like its in the car or trunk? If need be fold the rear seats down, have someone drive you around while you listen for the noise with your head in the trunk.

 

I only hear it under low speeds over bumps when driving straight. It sounds like it is coming from under the rear seat. I have heard about the rack and pinion issue with these cars but I don't hear anything in the front. The exhaust system is snug, no rattle there.

 

Ya know ODG, it could be that pesky intermediate steering shaft and/or Rack&Pinion clanking. My daughters 05 did the same thing and we had hell finding it.

 

The suspension on these cars are junk. Other then that, they are pretty good cars. I like it. The rattle could be just about anything. Like I said, either you are going to need to crawl under there while someone pushes down on the car. Or have someone drive it, fold down the seats and stick your head in the trunk so you can get a better idea of where its coming from. Whether its a body piece, suspension part... left or right.