Loud Popping Noise after driving over a bumpy railroad track

2005 CHEVROLET COBALT
185,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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BUZZROB
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My daughter was driving home last night and she said that she noticed a noise coming from the car after she went over a bumpy railroad track. It makes a very loud popping noise that is noticeable going straight or turning. She probably drove it about fifteen miles after that to get home. I was going to drive it to see what she was hearing. Our driveway has a slight slope and I noticed it backing out and when I started forward. I only drove it about ten to fifteen feet and the noise was very noticeable so I did not go any further and parked back in the driveway. I am not sure that it would be considered drive-able to the shop. If the repair is very expensive, it will not be made as the car is old, high mileage and my daughter will be going to college next fall.
Dec 2, 2016 at 7:19 AM
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HMAC300
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check wheel bearings and axles for that noise if you see grease/oil around boots of axles that is probably what is wrong. either fix it where it sits or tow to a shop.
Dec 2, 2016 at 7:23 AM
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BUZZROB
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Did not find any grease/oil around axle boots.
Dec 2, 2016 at 7:39 AM
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HMAC300
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well it cold be either one not being able to hear the noise that is the only thing I can tell you as that is what I think it is unless the brakes have fallen off their clips in rear if it is drum brakes.
Dec 2, 2016 at 8:11 AM
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BUZZROB
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I think the popping sound is coming from the back, but I am not certain. If my daughter drove the car over fifteen miles with the issue last night, I am inclined to drive to the shop, if someone can follow me. If the repair is very expensive, the car will have to be replaced anyway. The shop is about five miles from me.
Dec 2, 2016 at 8:17 AM
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STRAILER
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Hey Buzzrob

It sounds like it could be the sway bar mounts or strut rods, noises like this are tough to know what it is becasue we are not there to listen. Try to get under the car and look for anything obvious.

If you see something you think it might be snap i picture of it and upload it here so we can take a look a it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely


Please let us know happens so it will help others.

Best, Ken

Dec 2, 2016 at 10:38 PM
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BUZZROB
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Turns, out there was a bolt that was somewhat rusted, that had broken that was causing the issue. The bolt was replaced along with a second bolt that was stressed from the other one breaking. The repair that I anticipated costing more than the car's worth, turned out being $52. What a relief! Tim's Auto Care is the best!
Dec 3, 2016 at 10:43 AM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed please use 2CarPros.com anytime we are here to help

Best, Ken
Dec 4, 2016 at 11:41 AM