Suspension Questions (Again)

[JoeHoe_SHO]

I'm not so sure if I have a broken subframe bushing anymore.

Here is the deal, when I shift rather harsh, I hear the clunk...but here is the thing, I also here the clunk when backing up and turning...could bad struts make a noise when I shift? I take off fine with no hesitation or bogging(smooth as ****) and that makes me think that it is not a SFB...but again, I have no experience or knowledge of these things. Anyone out there know what the deal is. After I get some cosmetic stuff taken care of...(new seats, fender etc...) I will be doing the suspension.(Sway bar end links, Police SFB(s)and bolts, and more than likely Toxico struts w/stiffer spings(if $$ allows me) so the problem won't affect me for long, I just don't wanna risk damage to my SHO by driving it the way it is till I get the resources together to tackle the problem. The noise does not SEEM to affect the performace of the car, but I have read that some of the best upgrades one can do to his/her SHO (car) is the suspension. All help is appreciated! Thanks again!

 

[PROPHET]

The first thing i would do is raise the car up and check if all nuts are tight on suspension,including the sfbs.

 

[JoeHoe_SHO]

Thanks Tony, I'm having a new fuel pump, sender, strainer, and filter installed tommarow...I will ask my mechanic to check it out for me then...I'm tellin' ya, I really have not a clue about this kindda stuff...Never would have thought to check that...thanks! thumb

 

[89 black SHO mtx]

have your mechanic check for a bad motor mount as well. that would cause a clunk with a harsh shift. just a thought Ken

 

[JoeHoe_SHO]

The motor mounts are fine...the clunk is not that loud and I've checked it out by doing the ol e-brake test...not unusual movement. I sounds like a suspension related clunk...when the cars weight is shifted...doesn't happen when I shift at 4 grand or lower...when I shift at around the 3000 rpm, smooth as silk...could it be the bolts? Struts? Both, SFBs? Hmmm.... will find out tomarrow

 

[JaySHOguy]

If you are positive that the motor mounts are not busted, then I would check the subframe bushings(all 4). My front ones were so worn out that they moved up and down about 1.5" oh_my

 

[JoeHoe_SHO]

See its not that bad...its not the sound of the engine hoppin' around. I broke 8 mounts on a Taurus GL that I had, so I know what that sound is. Bigger clunk than what I'm getting.

It almost sounds like a worn strut now that I've listened to it a little more closely.

Advanced Auto didn't get my fuel filter that I ordered so I have to wait until tommarow till I take her to the shop. I'm gonna have the mechanic check the following:

1. Subframe bushings(bolts too)
2. Engine/tranny mounts (just for piece of mind)
3. Bad struts/strut parts
4. Tie rods and wheel bearings

I figure its gotta be one of those 4, like I said before, its not a serious noise that happens every time...I noticed on the drive home last night that it seems to do it when ever I give it a good amount of gas after I shift(not during the shift) What could that mean? Ex) Shift nicely into 3rd at 45mph and put it halfway to the floor...(small clunk, almost sounds like a strut knock) I know I need a rear struts, could the cars weight shifting be the cause of the noise? Hmmm....?(again)

 

[JoeHoe_SHO]

Foxwulf aka Justin helped me troubleshoot this problem in the ass...its just bad rear suspension. He even sold me some parts to fix the problem with at a good price. Thanks for everyones help!

 

[TheNoachSHO]

check the wheel bearing. I was very surprised today when I got my car back together and the same noise you describe is now gone. It's a PITA to do though. I had 3/4 to a full inch of play in mine when they finally taosted Friday.

 

[JoeHoe_SHO]

I don't think I have a bad wheel bearing...there is no play at all...I think I need new Passenger side CV boot and driver side tie rod(or reverse order) I checked them when I did my breaks this past weekend and they both looked ripped/worn. Gonna replace them this weekend.

 

[pjtoledo]

Bushing cup for the front tension strut. The one on the rod end breaks away from the subframe. Makes a loud clacking noise as the drive train changes from push to pull. Real easy to diagnose, hit it with a hammer and compare both sides.

Perry Toledo,Ohio