612 - very rough ride

At low speeds (maybe below 35mph) the ride from the rear is very rough and i feel every little crack in the pavement almost to the extent that it seems like the rear end will shake and fall apart. Once im at a higher speed the bumps smooth out though its not as smooth as i expect. (I have a smoother ride from my 355.) On visual i have not noticed anything looking worn or damaged, the shocks appear fine with no leaks.

Is this rough ride typical of the ball joints wearing out? I just turned 43k miles yesterday.

 

2 year old Michelins.

 

2006 612

 

Would worn rear ball joints give a real rough ride at low speed and then smooth out at the higher speed?

 

I need to do a more through inspection this weekend of the rear ball joints. Since this seems to be more of a "when" and not "if" issue, its probably a good bet that they are a problem and it so, I may as well replace both the upper and the lower.

For those of you that have done the procedure, how necessary is the extractor that is sold? It's a separate one for the upper and the lower/ Easy enough to remove them without it? I have a press available.

 

Thanks for the link. Very helpful write up.

 

On another visual inspection, I am not seeing excessive play in the rear ball joint (though were I to disassemble I may find wear). I've been serarching the forum and see a lot of issues with the tie rods. Is a problenm there just as common?

What I am getting is real jarring bumps from the rear end at lower speeds. Anything like cracks in the road, manhole covers and even the joints between concrete pours on the freeway. Things really smooth out once I get to higher speeds. With the ECU controlling the suspension, is it possible that a rapid series of bumps tricks the suspension into firming up, making the situation worse?

 

Im running out of ideas on the "clunking noise". I bought new Hill upper and lower ball joints for the rear. When i went to replace them, the ones on the car look to have been replaced already (with OEM) but there was no noticable wear on them. Replaced with the Hill one but it made no difference. The sway bar drops look ok too. Greased them and reinstslled. Seems to be no excessive play there. Shocks appear to be good as well and no leaks.

I shifted to the front and again on inspection, it appears that they have been replaced prior as well. Removed the boots and greased. Front shocks look ok too.

Any other thoughts on what could be the issue? Its a lot of clunking over bumps at low speed. Smooths out at higher speed.

 

No Junk in the trunk. Stuff on the lower level strapped down otherwise a few micro fiber towels and a cleaning kit on the upper level.

Its only at lower speeds, say below 30 mph. Smooth at freeway speeds and above. Would that have any effect on the electronic dampers?

 

Shocks look good all around. No leaking oil seen anywhere on them.
Battery fastened down.
No loose junk in the trunk.
Has Tubi exhaust and all the hangers look secure.
Back seat looks to be secure.
I have not checked the fuel pump.