'98 Impreza wagon with loud noise from rear of vehicle when car in motion.

[Maureen]

Help me please! Two weeks ago my car started making a loud noise like
a tympany drum which emanates from the cargo area when the car is in
motion. Thought my spare might be loose. No. Sound is driving me
crazy.

 

[Remco]

Is it constant or more pronounced when you hit a pothole or mancover?

If hitting a bump makes it happen, it could be that the mufler is
hitting against the frame. Most likely a muffler clamp or mount has
fallen off.

Regards,
Remco

 

[Marcus]

Had this recently on a my UK1998 70K miles Forester, rear silencer box outer
skin had rusted through and split, this outer skin then was rattling against
the heat shield protecting boot floor from silencer. A quick turn of baling
wire kept it quiet until I could replace the silencer.