Horrible CLUNK!

[SuperSho92]

My '93 ATX has a horrible CLUNK sound coming from the right front. I recently replaced the half shafts, tie rod ends, springs, and struts in an attempt to solve the problem, but unfortunately it did not work.

The car is fine when driving in a st line, but when I turn left it makes a horrible CLUNK noise, and by clunk noise I mean it only CLUNKS once, but it is LOUD. I am also experiencing the same sound when I go over a speed bump, or hit a *** hole...any suggestions? This is driving me crazy. Thanks in advance!

 

[masho95]

Check out the condition of the end links.

 

[SuperSho92]

yep thought of that too...ended up replacing them too...any other ideas? thanks by the way...

 

[Slo-Sho]

How are your SFB's, ball joints?

 

[SuperSho92]

i was afraid you were goin to say that...the ball joint seems to be ok, but the bushing at the end of the arm that connects to the subframe is definietly showing wear. i have intentions of changing it next. anything else that could cause the clunk?

 

[Slo-Sho]

When I replaced my control arms they were about $37 a side IIRC. They ARE SHO specific as well. If you still have the OEM SFB's on there, simply upgrading to the GEN III style (which can be had for cheap) will definately be an improvement. Also, strut rod bushings are relatively inexpensive also.

 

[masho95]

When I replaced my control arms they were about $37 a side IIRC. They ARE SHO specific as well. If you still have the OEM SFB's on there, simply upgrading to the GEN III style (which can be had for cheap) will definately be an improvement. Also, strut rod bushings are relatively inexpensive also.

I don't know if that pricing is correct on the LCA assemblies. They are probably more like $70-$80 a side. If you did get them for ~$40 each please let us know where you got them, so the rest of us can benefit!

 

[94mtx]

not sure what you have as far as struts/springs but, i have konis/intrax installed by shoshop. i had a horrible loud clunk as well start about 6 months after they installed them. i was thinking the same swaybar, endlink, halfshaft route that you were. long story short, it was the bottom mounting bolt for the strut. it came off!! which allowed the strut to move up in the assembley and then slam down. i was a bit worried when they told me(shoshop while installing new halfshafts) but they also looked at everything and said no damage. maybe this helps??

jon

 

[Slo-Sho]

$70-80 a side!?! Holy smokes batman! I got mine locally, and at those prices be rest assured I'd be shopping around!

 

[Ishodu]

I would check the subframe bushings.

 

[SuperSho92]

well i did the strut/spring install and tqed down the pinch bolt, so I dont think that is it. as for the subframe bushings, they have never been changed. what is this about the third gen SFB's? are they compatible? how much do they cost?

 

[Grifter]

I had a horrible clunk when I turned also. It turned out to be my Subframe Bushings. They were extremly worn. I bought some of netvipers Aluminum bushings and it fixed the problem.

 

[SuperSho92]

thanks, i think that is what i am goin to replace next...where is the best place to buy them? what are my options? prices?

 

[projectSHO89]

, but the bushing at the end of the arm that connects to the subframe is definietly showing wear.

The likely source of your noise. Check to see if the cup in the sub-frame that the bushings sit in has separated from the subframe. If so, it can be rewelded.

You can check the SFBs by opening the hood, starting the engine, then turning the steering wheel from side to side. If the SFBs have play in them, the engine (particularly the firewall side) will move from side to side. This is because the steering rack is mounted to the rear of the SF so it pushes the whole SF and engeine when the steering wheel is turned. Make sure the front wheels are on the ground when checking this.

Steve

 

[SHOfun 93]

Sfb

Mine was a loose Subframe bushing after I got my 95 out of the shop. I, like yourself, had just replaced most all the endlinks, sway bar bushings and the like. Definitely sounds like the problem.

 

[SuperSho92]

any info on prices? vendors? better yet, any write ups on how to change the SFB's?

 

[94mtx]

changing out sfbs are easy. two jackstands and a good jack. im sure there are many threads about it. when i did mine i did the fronts at the same time and the rears at the same time. if i did it again i would do this....place the car jack stands (on the subframe) losen all the bushings about 1 or 2 turns. then remove one at at time. then when they are almost tightened align the subframe. and tighten the bolts to the specified specs. mine are are about 100 ft/lbs if i remember correctly. there is many threads on that as well.... hope this helps!!

jon

 

[SuperSho92]

thanks jon...ill do a search.

 

[SuperSho92]

ok guys...so i checked my SFB's today...yep, they are SHOT! compared 'em to the ones on my '92 and it was quite obvious. now it is a question of wether i should upgrade to aluminum ones or stick with stock replacements. still lookin for prices on both...any suggestions?

 

[sideSHO]

I got my Aluminum Subframe Bushings from Bryan King.
Do a search for his name,it'll show a post as to how to order them.
The best money I've spent on my 91 so far.
With just the ALSBs the car feels like it's on rails.


Ohh and BTW,thats a nice set of mods ya got going there.