mistery solved

[AJ]

This is to share an experience;
During this weekend trip our MC8 developed some strange rattling noise. It was coming from under the floor when we travel bumpy or not so smooth road. Suspecting the storage bays, I re-arranged new items in the storage bay for the trip, tied them down with bungee, separated each load by wrapping in a blanket and tried other things at each stop. But I never found where the bumping sound originated from.
After we came home, I started checking the under frame and suspension system, inch by inch for a sign of any movements or vibration.
Well, what I found was; the left front shock absorber bushing (the rubber bushing between the shock absorber eye and mounting stud) smashed by age and every time the air bag compressed due to uneven road surface the metal eye and steel stud were bumping together to generate the thumping noise.
For some of you, hope this experience saves your time and agony. 

AJ