1992 240SX : Suspension clicking

[project90]

1992 240SXrelevant info... KYB AGX, Eicbach Pro-Kit, ST Front/Rear anti-sway bars / PU bushings. The rest are original stock parts.70k mi

Alright, noticed this problem a couple weeks ago. At first I was able to hear a distinct clicking/ticking noise on the highway when driving in the left lane (next to barrier). My guess is that I could hear sound better due to its bouncing off the close barrier.

I believe it is originating from the suspension because it happens when:1) I'm on the highway which isn't exactly smooth (Portland), and I go over road imperfections/bumps2) When I'm coming to a stop or braking hard (in other words - loading the front suspension)

I'm not positive if it's the front, just a guess from my observations. I jacked up the front to take a look around, but couldn't immediately see anything out of place. Just a worn tension rod bearing :-/

Not affecting steering feel or performance as far as I can tell, just annoying as hell...So guys and gals... Anything?

[RamonetB]

A worn tension rod bushing can certainly produce the type of symptoms you're describing. Both of mine on my 1990 240sx were blown out and breaking produced a strange clunking sound. Firmness of the ride was also not as strong (only discovered after replacing them). This is most likely due to the tension rod bolts up front "banging" into the tension rods themselves since the bushing is no longer suited for proper support.

Once I replaced mine, that symptom disappeared. unfortunately, I still had a clunking and sticking problem whenever I would turn the wheels sharply one way or the other, especially in rain. I've tracked this down to a worn strut top mount bearing on the passenger side. You can actually see it catch and click out if you have someone turn the wheel while you look at it. You might want to check yours as well. But if this problem only occurs when breaking or going over bumps, my first gut reaction are those TC bushings.

I got replacement ones from PDM Racing and have been very happy with them. Cost me $50 to have them pressed into the old TC rods, though. There's lots of places to get these bushings, though.

I hope that helps! I'm sure others will chime in as well, so keep checking back.

[project90]

awesome, thanks for the input! I'll see if I can take a took on the TC Rod for any evidence of metal on metal contact. I'd think that would be more of a clunking sound, but who knows.

anyone else?

[adrianfromthecastle]

awesome, thanks for the input! I'll see if I can take a took on the TC Rod for any evidence of metal on metal contact. I'd think that would be more of a clunking sound, but who knows.

anyone else?

i dont think the TC rod would produce a constant clicking sound... I had bad bushings on my tc rod, and yeah, it prduced more of a clunking noise and while under turns. I'm thinking it has somethign to do with probably wheel or rotor rotation or any other constant moving parts.