Thud/vibration in Left Rear on Start and Stop

[Malakas]

All, I have been trying to read nearly every post regarding strange "thuds" but have not found one that describes what my car is doing... because Im obsessive compulsive, it is driving me nuts -- any and all help/suggestions appreciated.

Symptoms:

There is what sounds like a golf ball rolling (an inch or two) around in a door / body panel that makes a dull, low pitched thud when you start to accelerate, and then when the car comes to a complete stop. It has no association with rate of acceleration / speed / turning / clutch operation. Occasionally, it also vibrates - almost shudders when the car is at a standstill. Of course I looked for anything loose that could be moving around - but I found nothing. The sound seems like it is coming from the left rear (maybe even right behind the b-pillar).

Differential: I have found references to a loose sway bar, so will look at that tonight... but beyond that, I cant determine if it is drive train / chassis, or just some stupid trim piece.

Thanks!!

Edited May 16, 2008 by Malakas

[Malakas]

No thoughts??

It seems to happen less after driving hard...