clunking noise from diff.

[dubstyles240]

I have a OEM open diff, that i have never messed with, except to change the fluid. Lets use this scenario... I am driving down the road in 3rd gear, and I let the throttle pedal out all the way (so no pedals are pushed in). and then when i go to push the throttle back in, there is a loud clunking sound from the diff.

This noise happens in every gear, usually also when I am going from a dead stop, if I let the clutch out to fast.

Is this a common problem with the nissan open diffs? I plan on buying a s14 VLSD from heavy throttle within a few months, so should I just not worry bout it?

[thelinja]

It's not the diff that's causing the clunk. It's the worn out bushings on the subframe. You have two options, you can either remove the whole subframe, burn the old bushings out and replace them with OEM bushings, or polyurethane bushings. Option two is to purchase subframe spacers and install them, it takes like 10 minutes, all you need is the spacers, some PB blaster and a cheater pipe. Do a search for subframe spacers, I think I remember someone selling them.

[dubstyles240]

wont spacers change my alignment though?

[NISTECH]

you also might want to take a look at your drive shaft center support. Those some times cause a clunk on accel. In many cases though it is accomponied by a vibration throughout the car.

[chandler]

where can I find poly subframe bushings

[Eddie]

PDM-Racing.com sells subframe spacers

[chandler]

but I dont want spacers, I want an entire subframe bushing set

[NISTECH]

the bushings in the rear subframe are part of the subframe assembly. all you can do is add the spacers. or replace the entire subframe[ if they offer it aftermarket]

[chandler]

They sell "nismo" subframe bushings, but I think they are just harder factory bushings, you can replace the bushings in the subframe, or they you would think they wouldnt sell the bushings. what I am looking for is polyurethane subframe bushings, not just spacers, like the 4 that hold the pumpkin and the 4 that hold the subframe in. i am gettin the poly motor mounts and the uras transmission mount, but i wanted subframe ones also

[tenggis]

hey i have the same problem. i also get that sound when i let off the gas suddenly when going slow. when went to a nissan dealership to get an alignment they gave a sheet that said among other problems "has looseness in rear end", i didn't know what was wrong with my car. now i have somewhere to start with. Quastion: if i install the subframe spacers, do i have to remove the old bushings or do i just put it over em? thaxs

[proimport17]

Talked to Energy Suspensions the other day and they said that within the month they will be releasing a sub frame bushing kit for the s14.

[dubstyles240]

I just ordered my dupree subframe bushings from specialty z. I'll write up the install when I get em done. It shouldnt be too hard.

No you dont have to take out the stock bushings, u just put these in under them to preload them.

When your car is in the air, you can see about a half inch of space between the subframe and the chassis. So you are going to have to jack the rear up, and then when the rear wheels are off the ground... jack up the subframe, so that its tight against the chassis. if you dont support the subframe, theres no way you'll be able to get the spacers on, because the studs arent long enough. I'll do a full write up when I get em on.

[proimport17]

I'm not talking about the spacers i'm talking about the actual subframe bushings.Everyone shys away from doing the bushings but its not that difficult of a job and it is certainly better than just putting in the "spacers". Just my 2 cents worth