How To Tell If It's My Rear Beam Or Rear Dampers That Are Kaput?

[BenC 6]

Hi all,

 

For the last couple of weeks or so the rear of my 205 has been creaking and squeaking like mad, every undulation or movement in the rear suspension makes it squeak and sound like a clown car. I fear it might be time for a recon rear beam which is going to be expensive, but is there any way of telling if it is the beam or a cheaper component like the dampers that need replacing? I can't say I have noticed any real deterioration in the ride or handling but it could have been a gradual thing so I hadn't noticed, if you know what I mean?

 

Any help much appreciated,

 

Ben

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

Remove the dampers then bounce the back of the car up and down. If it still creaks (it still will) then it's beam time.

[BenC 6]

Thanks for the help!