Weird Noise... Subframe?

[e_clouser]

I noticed a "creaking clunk" coming from the driver side of my car. The only time it happened was on a start. Or sometimes shifting gears. I checked all the motor mounts and such with no real luck. It did not seem as if the Engin was "jumping" around. I had my father working the clutch while I was looking under the car (would let my wife do this, she would have run me over) and I believe the whole subframe was moving. The car did have the recall done way back. I just am at a total loss. I checked all the bolst on the subframe and they are tight, I can't get it to move by prying on it. I have no idea where to start here. Any input would be great.


Eric

 

[shoebilly]

Do you feel it in the steering column? On braking? If so, its possible the joint at the rack needs tightening. I think its a 10mm pinch bolt. The subframe does move around and this movement can do strange things at the steering wheel if this isn't tight enough. Its under the boot behind the brake pedal.

 

[shoebilly]

The motor mounts on these cars suck and rusted areas on or around the rear subframe bolts are a safety concern. The unibody needs to be solid in these areas.

 

[Gez89SHO]

It could be also the strut rod-to subframe bushing. The strut rod holds the control arm during forward-to backward movement, and takes the brunt of launches/stops.

It is shown here under strut rod bushing kit:
http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/images/trwsuspension.jpg

 

[shoebilly]

It could be many things. A bad antisway link, strut tenesioner bushings, Upper strut mount, lower control arms, inner & outer tie rod ends, struts. How does it go down the road? How does it behave when you brake? What happens when you hit a bump? Maybe the subframe is cracked.

 

[e_clouser]

The car stays in a straight line on the highway. Rides nice down the road. When I hit a bump I do get some noise, not the same. During barking the car is fine no pulling or noise. I have had the sawybar links replaced. infact this is what I thought it was at first. <--- had that problem before. I think when I hit a bump it is strut noise, they are original and have 129,000 miles on them. Tire wear is perfect, so I don't think I have any alignment issues. I do not feel it in the steering or braking, i feel it nowhere. That makes me think I might have strut issues. Didn't think of that one. This car has been garaged all its life. it is rust free. I try not to to drive in rain or snow, but I just can't bring myself to put it away for a whole winter....

 

[projectSHO89]

The subframe should NOT move at all.

If it does, you have a SFB failure.

Easiest way to check the rears is to park the car, leave running, open the hood, then turn the wheel from stop to stop holding at each stop momentarily.

If there is lateral movement of the engine as viewed from the top, the SFBs have play in them.

To check for vertical movement, just put your floor jack uner each corner and start a lift. Look for any vertical movement of the frame corner as the jack takes the load upwards.

Steve