Hi Everyone, The back story: I have a 2002 Pontiac Firebird base model V6 coupe which has an auto trans, ABS track control, & is a rear wheel drive car. I'm hearing a loud like rubbing sound coming I

Interesting. I also have a 2002 Pontiac Firebird Model V6 Coupe. I had a similar problem with this as well, after i had gained new tires. It took me a little to figure out where the clanging was coming from but it turns out it was coming from the storage compartment of the car- in the trunk where the spare tire and the jack are located. Turns out the spare tire was placed...crookedly (to say the less) and had knocked the jack into an awkward angle that caused it to bang against the car when i drove. Fixed the sound of the clanging- might possibly be your problem doesnt hurt to check it out. Otherwise I'm not too sure what the problem could be if the tires, break pads and everything else from your tires was placed correctly. Sorry if this wasn't the problem- good luck fixing your car.

oops, also meant to say to heck your U-bolts on the sway body mounts, ensure they are perpendicular and in the groove where they should be, also check anything with washers in the back, they could be loose and clanging (like a rattle, or a sound like a bunch of rocks are falling)! Sorry thought I wrote that part in there. Good luck again.

Hi thanks for your answer's on your first answer I'm pretty sure its tight but will check again about the spare tire. OK I will check for anything lose under there. The sound to me sounds like an 18 wheeler truck noise like a loud tire noise going down the road until you reach speeds above say 50 an HR then its more metallic & the tire noise too in addition so I'm not a mechanic but my first guess is the wheel bearings/hub but not sure??? HeLP!

If you feel that its the wheel bearings/hub I would suggest you get that checked! See if you can get in touch with another mechanic that can check out the back end of your car- sometimes its best to get a second opinion. Anywhoo everything I listed/stated in my first two answers are all I can think are wrong!

Thanks will do :)

Sounds like Bearings to me...

Turns out it was the rear end that needed rebuilt it was damaged!