Rattle from Rear Wheels/Drum Brakes

[Wonka]

I have been having a bit of noise (rattle on bumps) from the rear end of my 2001 Limited. I have searched plenty on the site and have looked for many of the common causes. Just tonight, I noticed that when I pound on the rear two tires, there is a rattle/looseness noise, where there is no noise on the front two tires. Is this just a common noise on all drum brake setups, or could they just be loose etc..?

 

[aontkos]

I have been having a bit of noise (rattle on bumps) from the rear end of my 2001 Limited. I have searched plenty on the site and have looked for many of the common causes. Just tonight, I noticed that when I pound on the rear two tires, there is a rattle/looseness noise, where there is no noise on the front two tires. Is this just a common noise on all drum brake setups, or could they just be loose etc..?

I definitely wouldn't say that this is common with drum brakes. Something is definitely going on there...but it's weird that you're hearing it on both sides. It isn't too much work to remove the wheel and drum to check out the innards.

If I were in your shoes I would start by checking out my rear suspension, sway bar bushings, brake line holders, etc.

 

[nissanh]

Yes, check specially the sway bar end links.

 

[TheDurk]

Try it with the e-brake on. If it works (i.e. both wheels lock), and still makes the noise when you pound, it's not the brakes.

 

[Wonka]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. Sorry for the delayed response, just had a baby.
I will check these options this weekend.