Please help me diagnose a clunk in the rear

[clydesdale]

I get this especially when the weather is cold. I may get a clunk that sounds like it is coming from the driver's side rear. I usually get it after the 1st to 2nd gear shift. But, I can also get it if I hit a bump just right. I can even be on the brakes, off the gas and hit a bump and I get the clunk. Can you help me zero in on this?

[agile30]

Subframe.

[Stanley Rockefeller]

it's the bushings alright...

[grantlacey11]

ooo fun!

[clydesdale]

ok, talk to me. Are these the bushings that are like small soda cans that are under the rear seat? I replaced those about 70k miles ago. Or are these other bushings in the subframe? Does anybody have a nice pic or diagram of the different bushings? I knew it would likely be the subframe.
What else is wise to be done at the same time?

[Mike325]

Hey, here is a parts view of the rear suspension from realoem.com.



Replace #3, the subframe bushings and also the trailing arm bushings while you are in there.

[clydesdale]

Thanks for posting the pic.
Any chance that the bushing needs to be tightened. When I had it installed 70k miles ago, the guy used oem bushings but I did have to re-tighten them about 1 month later for the same darn clunk. This thing clunked last winter and then was great the rest of the year. Winter arrived this year and the clunk came back. Any chance it is just loose. It is the same damn side that is clunking?
Also, should I buy oem or is there a better solution? Thanks.

[delatlanta1281]

Could be a shock tower mount, they tend to rip.

[schtozo]

Just curious, OP, i am having kinda clunk thing going on. I feel it in the rear right side but while diagnosing the problem i put my hand on the trans tunnel just in the small spot behind the rear ashtray and i feel the clunk there too, like if something is hitting the tunnel, i guess its the csb, probably a bit loose? I only feel the clunk when i hit road imperfections, not on speed bumps, not when i shift, not on accel or decel. Maybe we can help each other in this, i lifted the car few fays ago and encountered that the trans bracket was loose so i assumed that was the problem and didnot proceed to check the csb, my bad i know. I thought at first that its the bushings but why would i feel te clunk in the tunnel?

Any help is appreciated and i hope my driveshaft is not bent or something. Make sure you update the thread with your solutions as i feel our situations are kinda the same.

[blunttech]

Thanks for posting the pic.
Any chance that the bushing needs to be tightened. When I had it installed 70k miles ago, the guy used oem bushings but I did have to re-tighten them about 1 month later for the same darn clunk. This thing clunked last winter and then was great the rest of the year. Winter arrived this year and the clunk came back. Any chance it is just loose. It is the same damn side that is clunking?
Also, should I buy oem or is there a better solution? Thanks.

Ive not seen those ever loosen up. They arent hard to do but time consuming. If your car is from the salt belt it can be difficult but ive been really lucky. Do OE rubber. They are cheap for lemforders 22.50 ea. Also think about replacing at least the 2 soft brake lines above the subframe while its out or its a good time to do braided stainless. They are a bitch to do while the subframe is in but can be done
ps i would check your shock mounts first Its hard to believe subframe mounts are trashed at 70k

[delatlanta1281]

i would check your shock mounts first Its hard to believe subframe mounts are trashed at 70k

Thats what I said!

[r3d e30]

Its your dirty italian and or center bearing. I had the same problem a while back. I replaced the guido disc and center bearing and everything is fine now. Just be prepared to drop your exhaust and probably replace your exhaust mounting hardware.

[///digitalme]

i have a similar problem...mine has new ie streen bushings and trailing arms as wel, new e46 shock mounts, new flex disk good csb, good fresh installed vlsd in the rear and still have that clunk...im thinking its my transmission or clutch.....or i think to tighten the subframe bushing nut...?
its a really annoying clunk

[IRON-E]

Maybe your GUIBO?

[schtozo]

Actually mine leans more towards a thud noise rather than a clunk noise and i really feel it in my hand. Wierd. I will check on the csb soon.