disturbing noise when backing out of driveway
 

My Targa has recently developed a scary noise that usually occurs when I pull into or back out of a driveway (i.e. when the weight of the car may not be equally distributed on all four wheels). The sound is like a rumble or vibration that seems to come from the rear of the car just behind the drivers seat. Sometimes there is a clank noise as well. There is no strange noise when driving, and otherwise the car runs fine. Any ideas?
Is it likely suspension related, or transmission? Thanks!

Broken sway bar mounts?

Those sway bars can make noise even if it's looking ok ....
the bushings get worn they clunk under the car on the rear floor area and feel terrible. especially when pulling in and out of parking lots & driveways where one wheel moves at a time. If it's been removed recently and could have been put back slightly off. you might try repositioning it and spraying some kind lube on it. Probably time for some new bushings.

Check your CV joint bolts also.

Sounds (hehe..) exactly like the problem I had with my 86. Turned out to be a broken passenger side sway bar mount as jthwan22 already pointed out. Only heard the clunk/rattle/bang while turning, backing up, and on bumpy roads. If you know your way arond a welder then it's an easy fix otherwise a $150-$200 visit to your shop. Have a look at the other side while you're down there too.

Thanks guys! It is indeed a broken driver's side sway bar mount...
I hope it's not too expensive to repair!

I had a similar sound coming from the back of my 1976 911. I replaced the rear sway bushings over the christmas break and the sound has gone.

It was pretty easy task even for a novice like myself. I used OEM bushings from Pelican. They are about $25 US each, 4 required and two ball joint bushings at $5.

The ball joints need to be levered on and off with something like a large screwdriver.

Can someone confirm if I did the right things by putting rubber grease on all of the bushings?

It was the first real project I have done on the car and the feeling of success was very satisfying.

Andrew

Could someone post a picture of this please?

I had similar problems, turned out to be seized rear callipers

My 86 had the same problem The factory sway bar mounts were not reinforced as the replacement ones that are now available. You can weld the one you have for an easy, quick fix, but I replaced mine. In fact I did both as they were both original and I am sure the other would have broken soon enough. They are not expensive to buy. My shop put them in for about an hours labor.