TA bushings

[Digitalwave]

How do you know when they need replacement?

I have a rattle/clunk from my rear end and I can't for the life of me find out what it is. My diff is extremely tight and the rear subframe bushings were replaced 2 summers ago with urethane. The TA bushings are still original though.

The rattle usually occurs on bumpy/washboard roads, and train track crossings. There is also a clunk when I harshly get on the gas from no throttle, or let off the gas from hard throttle. It sounds like something in the rear end is preloading and then unloading, which may be the trail arms.

I know my parking brakes are mal-adjusted (loose) as well but it doesn't sound like a rattle that they would make.

Who makes a nice set of urethane TA bushings? From what I hear the IE stuff is shit.

[Digitalwave]

I haven't ruled out the RSM's either, even though I replaced them 3-4 years ago. Is it possible for them to make noise even if they are not completely destroyed?

[Dave]

sway bar links or mounting tabs? Perhaps something on one of the exhaust mounting points?

[Digitalwave]

I think the exhaust is ok but I'll check. The sway bar links and tabs are good.

I forgot to mention, no spring pads in the rear. But the springs are compressed so much when the car is on the ground that I don't see how it could cause a rattle.

[StereoInstaller1]

TJ, I am likely to do AKG but $100 PLUS the IE adjustment kit is kinda steep. I was thinking I would just do the adjustable AKGs. $160 isn't too bad.

Good luck on the rattle! If you were closer, I would let you use my "Chassis Ears"

Luke

[Digitalwave]

I don't mind non-adjustable, I've learned to live with extreme camber :)

I just noticed my Redtop wasn't being held down by the factory tie down (which is a piece of trash) so that might be the rattling sound...

[Digitalwave]

Well, I have determined the clunking to be diff backlash - its very apparent when playing with the output shafts.

The rattle was at least partly the battery tie down. I think I've got it secure, and I took the spare out (it wasn't tied down completely) to see if that makes any difference. I will report back.

[C ///M]

I like my poly-urethane adjustable rear bushings, but if you're not going to the track a lot, you don't really need them.

If I were you teej, I'd pick up the factory M-Coupe offset trailing arm bushings. That way you'll have slightly better than stock e30 bushings and you can dial out some of the toe-in and negative camber you get from a lot of lowering.