Rear clunk (or knock) really bugging me.

[dr.strangelove]

I knew that the RSMs were no good, so i bought new ones, and installed them. i figured that the noise was that, since they were definitely bad. Unfortunately the noise has not gone away.

I have new springs (OE Mtech), rubber hats for the springs (top and bottom), Bilsteing HDs (6 months old) and i recently installed the JT design RSMs (aluminum ones).

The clunk is audible all the time while driving. Whether i am in gear or not it is present. When i hit bumps, i don't hear it, but it clunks on varying height of surface (like dips and crests). I took a look at the RSMs thinking they were the culprit, but they are on nice and tight. When i try to rock the rear end up and down, i do not hear the clunk, although when i go to lift the rear driver's side i hear the clunk.

I don't really even have the slightest as were to start looking, but this little clunk or knock is starting to wear on my nerves.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Forgot to add, this is on my iX. no CSB.

[KenC]

When was the last time you replaced your rear subframe bushings and/or trailing arm bushings?

[dr.strangelove]

funny you should mention that, i have a brand new set of both, and intend to do that in the spring since the weather keeps me from doing this work now. might it be anything else? i'd love to know it's just that, but if it might be anything else, i'd love to know.

[KenC]

Clunking is prob shot subframe bushings.

[dr.strangelove]

so that means in the spring, i get to once again drop the exhaust, and all that junk to get to the subframe and trailing arms... yuck.

i will have to search for some write up on that, or some more info regarding making it easier for myself.

(i hope you are wrong and something minimal is loose, but i have to just get under there and look around)

[Knockenwelle]

While you have the exhaust off, give it a look for contact spots...

[twright]

Grab the exhaust where it exits the car. Wiggle it as hard as you can in every direction. If it makes a noise (like its hitting something) you just found the cause.

[dr.strangelove]

will do. I keep hearing new noises as the winter continues on. In the spring i have a HUGE list of things i will have to do. I love this car, and all this work is teaching me who's the boss. (the car).

hah. As for the exhaust, i know it makes noise, and i need to figure that out too, but as far as i remember, last time i wiggled it all over, i just heard the rubber mounts (man they sound annoying).

[jamato]

I know I'm bringing this back from the dead, but I had a question. I was experiencing a clunking noise also, so I had the rear sub frame and trailing arm bushings replaced. I'm still experiencing a clunking noise, not as bad then it was, but still annoying...Any ideas? dr. strangelove, any diagnosis? Thanks for any tips.

[E30_fiend]

check the rear shock mounts. they are a likely culprit. if its not that then you might check the differential mount bushing. this can also lead to a nasty noise.





Taylor

[Knockenwelle]

Another thought: sway bar bushings/end links.

[thereisnoyun]

I know this is kidn of out there, but I had simliar problems. It turns out to be Ebrake

[japspecvr6]

I was told it could be the diff as well to guys.....