Strange Clunking RF 95 ATX

[Bill Harrison]

Hey guys, got a 95 atx. Took a hard right turn today, and since that, the car has started clunking on the rf when stoping and starting. Had a buddy move the car back and forth, and it looks as though the rf wheel is actually moving forwards and back. I put the car on a lift, and nothing seemed loose?! Any suggestions as to what this could be? I pryed on the control arms, subframe bushings (up and down) and ball joints, etc. Is it possible the subframe is shifting forward and back on that side ? It appears to be moving about an inch or so, and making a healthy clunk when it happens.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[BobC]

Possible Tension strut bushings? I know my '93 does this, I can actually see the drivers side wheel moving back and forth when creeping slowly and hitting the brake while looking out the window at the wheel.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

If it does it while on the ground, but not in the air, check the front tension strut mounts/bushings. It sounds like you may have a failed subframe.

The tension struts connect the knuckle to subframe. Check out where the tension strut goes thru the subframe (in the front, under the AC lines).

 

[Bill Harrison]

This sounds like the culprit, is it usually the bushings, or the actual subframe that fails? And how in the heck do i find a new subframe!?

Bushings I can live with having to replace

 

[Ishodu]

Sometimes you just need to get the mounting point welded where the bushings attach to the sub frame. It could also be that you just need some new bushings.

 

[Bill Harrison]

Ok. Here it is:

I think I have the problem, anyone care to chime in?

It appears that there is a "cup" that should be attached to the frame on the front lower control arm. It looks like this cup has broken off. Does this mean i have to replace the subframe Any suggestions? I took the bolt loose, and it moves alot. The left side looks to be attatched. I am pretty sure this is the problem.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Tension strut, or lower control arm? The front end of the SHO has one of each on both sides of the car.

Either way, no need for an entirely new subframe. Get it to a shop to have it welded (and maybe reinforced). It would be a good time to check the other side for signs of failure too.

Also, be sure to get the front end aligned after the repairs

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Hopefully this shows up....

Pic snagged from autozone repair guides

#9 is referred to as a tension strut.
#10 is a control arm

 

[Bill Harrison]

#9 In that picture is what I am looking at. Where it passes through the frame in the front there appears to be a metal cup of sorts. It is loose, and i can pry that arm back and forth with a pry bar, which is making the suspension feel loose.

Bill

 

[ShelbyDoug]

If you have recently done front springs and struts and shortened your springs (your profile didn't mention anything) your strut bearing seat could have dislocated itself. Does it klunk when you turn the steering wheel? If it does, check the seat. This is very common.

 

[Bill Harrison]

Nope, none of the above, and it clunks when braking the accelerating. A clunk on stop, then a clunk when i press the accelerator.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

#9 In that picture is what I am looking at. Where it passes through the frame in the front there appears to be a metal cup of sorts. It is loose, and i can pry that arm back and forth with a pry bar, which is making the suspension feel loose.

Bill

Hopefully the metal cup you are referring too is just the large cup-washer used to compress and hold the bushing, and your bushings need replacing.

Otherwise, the portion of the subframe that the tension strut mounts to may have broken. Then its time to find a handy friend with a nice welder, or get it to a shop pronto.

 

[Bill Harrison]

I think its the latter, i think its supposed to be welded on and has broken.

I will take it apart and weld it later, I have all the goodies

 

[92inPA]

Here is a link to Moogs ServiceLink Buletin. It provides the recomended repair details.

http://members.bellatlantic.net/~rbruce/SHO_transmission/StrutRodBushing.pdf