My wife's 98 v6 camaro started bottoming out awhile back. If we were to hit a bump the rearend slams. It makes a loud hammer like noise and you can feel it is pretty violent. My 95 v6 can be going at the same speed with the same weight in the car and it drives right on over it without problem.

I first assume shocks. I replaced the shocks. Oh and when I replaced them, the bump stops had almost been worn out from bottoming against the axles. New shocks didnt fix it. Only thing I can think of is the springs. I bought a new set and I will install them next weekend, but has anyone ever heard of this happening? The car has 155k on it, but it has never had heavy loads in it and it hasnt been driven hard. I just havent seen many that the springs wear out on.

Any other suggestions on what could be causing it? Id hate to install springs when that isnt the issue. thanks

Brad

 

Check that the rear springs are properly seated on the axle seats, and the upper spring isolators. Furthermore make sure the upper isolators aren't worn out, last but not least replace the bump stops if they're excessively worn.
Also check the condition of the springs.
BTW, what shocks did you use as replacements?

 

I am replacing the bump stops with new ones.

I used replacement Gabriel shocks.

 

I finally got around to replacing the rear springs.

Took about 20 minutes and made a world of difference. The replacement springs were almost 1in taller out of the box. My guess is from the stock springs wearing out over the past 11 years. I never would have thought that they would have worn out as quick as they did.
Nice difference for $60