Hello all.

I've noticed a little bit of a rubbing / thumping coming from the rear of the car.

The thumping seems to come on normal acceleration, just a little bump or knock from the rear of the car, but it seems underneath rather than a specific side.

I also notice when I first drive it in the morning a rubbing noise when cornering at city road speed, just a slight rubbing noise.

My first thought was the rear sway bar or bushings (the rear links were replaced a month ago pre-sale), but some of the threads on here have me wondering if it's the emergency brake cable rubbing.

The soft thumping seems to remain on accel, but the rubbing when cornering is only in the morning.

Two separate issues? Or the parking brake cable sticking a bit or a little loose in the morning after being parked on the slight incline of the driveway?

I thought the soft bump might be transmission related, but the car seems to have no other issues with acceleration when passing on the high way, or accelerating normally.... it's really only there when accelerating 'gently'.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Edit: I just wanted to clarify that I'm fairly certain this is not the dreaded 'lurch'. It's a subtle bumping that I notice because I tend not to drive with the radio / stereo on, and I can feel it beneath me. Start of the 'lurch' maybe? I just got the vehicle (128000 kms), and I have no idea if it's ever had a transmission fluid change.

Should I be setting aside some time to do one?
(Alright, alright... basically I need the old 'I just bought one tell me what I need to do' that's so common.... but cut me some slack: at least I'm a little more specific!)

 

I agree- this doesn't sound like the lurch at all. If you want to very the application/release of the EPB, activate it manually while rolling in drive at very slow speed with your feet off the pedals. Each lift of the paddle will apply the brake a little more firmly. The car should come to a distinct stop with no obvious pulling or lagging from one side or the other. The EPB can then be released by touching the gas pedal very lightly and again there should be no pull or lag to either side.

Not sure what you mean by cable rubbing, never heard of that.

 

You can also release it by pushing the paddle down.

 

That requires simultaneously applying the foot brake which would make it difficult to determine if one/both rear caliper(s) is dragging.

 

Oxford, i hear you!!! you described the same sound and feel im having on my 03 v8, ive been told to check my coil packs, trans fliud, rear diff, rear axle, bushings, bearings, brakes, epb. had it all checked out, no active codes, no history of any codes when serviced, had the trans fluid changed, new brake pads, everything looks good and tight underneath, car runs like a rocketship (could only imagine what im missing with the R model) with 66k miles, just bought in May..... BUT every single morning during my drive into work at the same spot while entering (turning right) between 35-45mph onto a slightly inclined entrance ramp to I95....there it is, that rubbing, thumping, rumbling noise driving in D, 5 (dosnt matter if in sport mode) that now has me turning down my music and driving me insane waiting to hear and feel it again. it goes away after shes all warmed up, so...what to do? i had all the past work done by an independent mech who works only on jags and tbirds, he's scratching his head (he isint with me during my commute and cant duplicate the noise) telling me its my torque converter, but thanks to the resources on this site and all the help from its members, im off to the dealer for a trans flash??? and hopefully that might fix it, especially since i just had my fluid replaced. but the more and more i keep digging its coming back to the trans feels like its "hunting" for its next gear while cold which would indicate a problem with the torque converter. at that point i will just raise the volume of the music louder than normal while driving around with a 4 sale sign on it. i hate to see her go because she runs great otherwise and looks clean and fresh.

 

Not on my car. Have you tried it?

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll see if I can get it a little firmer and if that clears it up.

I was thinking the cable because I recall reading a thread about a minor 'bump' caused by the cable needing lubrication, and sticking on the channels / rings that guide it through the length of the vehicle.

It's certainly not a 'serious' issue I'm having, more of a minor cause for concern.

Thanks again.

 

Yup, just yesterday in fact. If the car is stopped in gear with the EPB on, pushing the paddle down does nothing unless the foot brake is also applied.

 

Thanks for the help folks...

... unfortunately the unthinkable happened today:

Backed into while it was parked at full tilt by a pickup truck.
I still have a 'binder' number on the policy the car is so new.

Initial estimates rolling in at "at least $4000, not including the rental car" and "close to $6000", so my little thump is at the moment the least of my worries....

 

Sorry to hear this.

Hopefully with your S-Type being parked at the time, the pickup driver's insurance covers all your losses and any additional costs?

Graham

 

wow, very sorry to hear this news, i wish you a speedy recovery!

 

My condolences as well. Something about the month of August and S-Types getting plowed into. Just over three years ago in August 2009, I was slammed into by a Ford pickup driver who said he couldn't see me with the sun in his eyes. His insurance paid my full $12,000-plus repair bill. I found a fantastic local body shop who took their time and did it right. They had the car for nearly six weeks, but it was well worth it. Now nearly three years and more than 40,000 miles after repairs were finally completed, our S-Type is holding up beautifully....

I also sued the other guy's insurance company in our local small claims court for Diminished Value. Court took place five months after the accident so I had plenty of time to prepare my case. I felt I could represent myself without hiring an attorney, did so, and won my full $5,000 claim, the maximum amount one can sue for in our particular small claims court system. I did spend $325 to have the car professionally appraised by a Diminished Value specialist appraiser after repairs were completed. His 25-page detailed report proved to be very effective with my particular small claims court judge. I'm not familiar with Canadian law but if you have something comparable, you may want to spend some time looking into it. The court-awarded money sure comes in handy when future repairs or maintenance are needed months or years later. That money continues to serve as the primary maintenance fund for both our S-Type and our recently-acquired XK8....

Research your local repair shops thoroughly and do not allow the other guy's insurance company to steer you to one of their choosing. Stand your ground and fight for your car as well as your rights. It is likely that the other guy's insurance company will attempt to repair your car as cheaply as possible throughout the repair timeframe required. Stay on top of the situation and police them accordingly....

Best of luck and keep us posted....

 

Wow sorry to hear that.