Clunking noise from rear strut

[Projex240]

When going over bumps--its a clunking popping noise. Its got to be the strut mount--or the insulator buchings--but I wanted to check and see what everyone else thought--see if I can get any feedback from you guys.

[ziggy682]

It's your rear subframe bushings. There are 4 huge bushings back there isolating the subframe from the body/frame. When they get old, they let the subframe bang around when you go over bumps. Your rear suspension is also mounted to the subframe, and it has a negative impact on handling. The rear will feel squirrely over bumps while you're cornering.

You can replace the bushings with NISMO units, but you have to pull the subframe to do it. Big pain. Most people, including me, just get some aluminum subframe spacers to tighten it up. They go above and below the bushing, and when you tighten them down, it locks the subframe to the body, and basically eliminates the bushings all together. I picked up some off of ebay for like $80, and they work just fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...=WDVW

[The Enthusiast]

I just got my 96 240 and on the drive home I noticed the same problem. Can you go into a more detailed explanation on how to install the subframe spacers for those of us (me) that aren't familiar with that particular region of the car? Would be much appreciated. Also, do you need two spacers per corner? Is it cool to do just one, or should I do both rear corners?Thanks

[ziggy682]

Well, if you click on the link for the spacers for sale on Ebay, they have several pictures of the spacers installed. It's pretty self-explanatory if you look at the pictures. You just jack up the car, take off one subframe nut at a time(there are 4), put the slotted spacer on top of the subframe, and put the other spacer on the bottome of the subframe, put the nut back on and tighten it. You will actually have to loosen all the bolts a little to get the subframe to drop down enough to slide the top spacers in. Once you're done, just make sure the nuts are super tight, and drop the car back down.

Also, these can only be installed as a set. If you just installed one side, your rear alignment would be way off, and you would have serious handling issues.

[The Enthusiast]

So... what you're saying is a moron could install them. Once I looked at the ebay page it made more sense.Thanks

[tony/ka24de]

what site can I find these spacers

[The Enthusiast]

You mean besides ebay?On ebay, there's a link above provided by ziggy682, which is:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...=WDVW

[StrangeLove]

I've spent months of trying to find out what was making that clattering noise... Finally I'll be able to drive in peace

[Silvia2b]

So, the ebay auction ended last week, somebody won the bid. Does anybody have a clue who manufactures these and where more of them might be acquired? This is a common issue with the S13/S14 chassis, some other members must really need them as badly as I do. Any suggestions from people who have already found some? Or from the winning bidder?

[StrangeLove]

3 seconds on google

http://www.technotoytuning.com.../s13/

[The Enthusiast]

alright, got the spacers and i'm ready to put them in. but i looked in my chilton before hand and now i'm more confused than before. does anyone have a chilton that could tell me how to do this in reference to the parts labeled on pg 8-20. there are three different bushings pictured. I'm not sure exactly which part to put the bottom spacer under and which part to put the upper spacer over. Just don't want to get it wrong.Thanks