Rear Axle Rattle on Bumps - ebrake cable?

[Bossman429]

So I've been chasing down this rattle out of the rear axle for almost a year now. Happens when hit a jarring bump (pothole, washboard roads, etc). Cant hear it with the windows up but drives me crazy going slowly down the street with them down. Wasn't overly concerned b/c in no way did i feel any performance issues/handling/braking etc.

Pulled/tightened/checked everything you could imagine, 10 times over… finally decided to hop on here and do a search. Sure enough i see the e-brake cable/assembly is a common culprit. Slid back under the truck, grabbed it and gave it a shake and sure enough, sounds like the exact same rattle.

Thing is I just replaced the rear rotors/calipers/ebrake shoes. Everything operates well, and there is no excessive play or slack in the e-brake.

Does anyone know what exactly is rattling here? is it the bracket/lever that connects the cable to the brake drum components? I heard they often rust out Mine both looked OK but maybe inside they are rusted out? and clanking around? Do the cables loos tension after awhile and need to be tightened? I don't see how that would be the case, b/c then i would have an brake thats always engaged.

Thanks in advance… just wanna know what I'm in for… bring to dealer or do myself

 

[Griffin]

have you tried banging on the exhaust? From the down pipes, thru the cat, bang on all of it, as your mounts could be loose or your muffler may be busted.

I've had my share of rattles and will use a rubber hammer to bang on everything when trying to track one down. Will also have my son grab the front bumper and rock the truck side to side while I inspect, repeat the same process at the rear. Then I'll have him stand on the bumpers and sway the truck up and down. For me, twice it was loose shock mounts, I've been thru two mufflers (cheap ones), and once it was a slider rubbing up against a rocker (unbelievable but true).

One day someone will get crafty and catalog all the sources of rattles, knocks, and squeaks coming from our trucks. It'd be a worthy FAQ sticky for sure.

 

[TXLX100]

I have a rattle / clanging metal noise over bumps and speed bumps. I can't hear it with the windows up.

I suspect it's the brakes pads bouncing or brake cable. Everything else feels right on mine. If I figure it out ever I'll let everyone know.

 

[cruiser100]

I have a similar squeak coming form underneath. Most noticeable driving with the windows down over just about any road anomaly. Can recreate it by pushing on the drivers side real tire with my foot. I've laid under the truck and had someone move it around and still can't find the source - it's driving me nuts.

 

[Bossman429]

Exhaust is tight. Just replaced the muffler today (it was rotting but not bad enough to rattle)

I'm pretty damn sure it's the e brake bracketry by the drivers side tire. When I grab the cable and shake it makes the same sound and really echoes off the backing plate I tried tightening the cable, adjusting the stops and no better. I think the bracketry/linkage is just worn out. Will see if it's an expensive fix or not. I'm usually one to tackle things myself but I probably don't have the patience to do this lol

 

[LXstatic]

Any update on this? I have the same rattle and suspect the same issue on mine (ebrake cable).

 

[Alphakiller1]

I am also experiencing a rattle over any bump coming from the passenger rear side. Could be brake cable or shock mounts. Just wondering if anyone had any luck with what it could be?

 

[94SRUNNER]

I had this happen last year and I chased it for a while before we tracked it down to the e-brake shoe on the drivers side being loose and rattling around.

 

[Alphakiller1]

I kicked my passenger rear tire and you could hear the rattling. And since the previous owner replaced the rotors and pad, I'm guessing it's the shim issue. The driver rear tire didn't make that sound.