rear end clunk :| - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 09:00 PM

can't for the life of me figure out whats causing this

crappy video

the car clunks upon swift engagement of the clutch, tapping of the throttle, and in between shifts. no clunk when braking. basically anything that shocks the drivetrain makes it clunk.

things i have done to try and diagnose it / mods to the car

solid subframe bushings (psm risers)
nismo motor mounts and trans mount
full spl arms (professionally installed and aligned)
swapped whole pumpkin to a s13 good pumpkin with a tomei 2 way that had no issues (lash was set perfect on both diffs)
1 piece dss aluminum driveshaft
the rear bumper support is solid tight
nothing in the trunk or anything like that
coilover tophats are tight as
coilovers are not leaking and i don't suspect them to be blown at all
the subframe has NO visual cracks on the bottom and i cannot feel any on the top of it
every nut and bolt is tight
balljoints seem superb (CAR ONLY HAS 70K MILES)

crossing out the driveshaft and diff leads me to believe its the axles but it they are in perfect condition. no tears to the boots. when i try and move them with my hands i can't create any play they seem fine... but this is the next thing i'm going to try replacing anyway

the noise is much more apparent on the driver side rear but i don't even know what to think anymore

one more thing i was questioning, when i try to spin the rear wheels while the car is in gear i felt like i had a lot more resistance to spin them than on my friends s13. he has an open diff and i have the 2way... not sure if its just the nature of the diff causing that. i can't imagine my transmission being bad and causing this clunk. all though the trans feels funny going into gear but i figured it was because of this lash in the drivetrain. trans fluid has been changed too.

i have searched through every thread on the internet and have yet to find a solution

would be awesome if anyone can add some insight thank you

matts13vert · 09-23-2011, 09:03 PM

Have u checked your diff's back lash?

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 09:06 PM

yes. i swapped whole pumpkin anyways. my old diff was installed professionally and the new diff the previous owner had no problems with it. the backlash is not causing it, shits good.

KiLLeR2001 · 09-23-2011, 09:10 PM

This is probably a combination of the solid subframe bushings + 2way LSD. Not only that but your car is not even on the ground.

Corbic · 09-23-2011, 09:11 PM

DId you just change you wheels?

I had a chunk like that when I had a hub go bad after a someone didn't torque the wheel down on their side.

Motor Mounts and exhaust mounts may be shot, i know my car currently vibrates violently going in reverse because of those, whole exhaust bangs around. *Sigh*

future · 09-23-2011, 09:12 PM

I have the same noise, I'm suspecting my pos vlsd cause the j30 I pulled it out of was at 190k and the oil in there looks like it was never changed. And I never thought about checking backlash

With my car in gear you can't get on and off the gas fast or without putting the clutch inane easing like your starting from a stop. If that makes any sense. But if you don't the car shakes back and forth (like when somebody is learning to drive stock and can't drive for shit) I originally though it was my mounts that were torn. But that didn't work. Now I also suspect my suspensions arms in the back. Cause when I installed my rear toe arms the noise is louder then when it was jut after market RUCA.

I'll keep a eye on this thread cause I'd deff like to fix that nasty noisE

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiLLeR2001

This is probably a combination of the solid subframe bushings + 2way LSD. Not only that but your car is not even on the ground.

This doesn't occur on other s chassis i've seen with solid bushings and 2 way. The car is on the ground in the video... the clunk does still occur when i put it on jack stands and play with the the clutch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corbic

DId you just change you wheels?

I had a chunk like that when I had a hub go bad after a someone didn't torque the wheel down on their side.

Motor Mounts and exhaust mounts may be shot, i know my car currently vibrates violently going in reverse because of those, whole exhaust bangs around. *Sigh*

Wheels are probably fine, they've been put on multiple times with a torque wrench. I will obviously double check that. Car also has 15mm spacers in the rear which I will also check again. Seems like that would be a silly thing to cause this.

Motor mounts were just replaced with new nismo jawns. I took the whole exhaust off and it still clunks.

I assume the hubs are fine because I cannot create any play by tugging on the wheels with the ebrake on and I figured a bad hub is a different noise than a clunk.

s13 loverr · 09-23-2011, 09:31 PM

Have you tried reinstalling the clutch? I know it sounds weird but just as a suggestion.

joefresh · 09-23-2011, 09:31 PM

Id suggest getting under there with a pry bar and try moving some possible pieces around, I know you posted your cv joint is bad, maybe the bushings on your upright are toast like mine

reread the post, have you replaced the diff carrier bushings in the subframe? it kinda sounds like something is broken, can you shift the subframe around with a pry bar?

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s13 loverr

Have you tried reinstalling the clutch? I know it sounds weird but just as a suggestion.

Sounds crazy. I probably won't do this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joefresh

Id suggest getting under there with a pry bar and try moving some possible pieces around, I know you posted your cv joint is bad, maybe the bushings on your upright are toast like mine

Nothing really to pry with all the solid bushings. When the car is on jackstands and I make it clunk you really can't see anything strange happening. Everything just appears normal.

My CV joints are good as far as I can tell, I think you misread. I'll keep the upright bushings in mind, plan on doing the drop knuckle soon anyway.

joefresh · 09-23-2011, 09:49 PM

I got all the same shit literally except the risers and my diff is kaaz, like i said it sounds broken, either your diff or some joint is fucked you should be able to see some movement man

KiLLeR2001 · 09-23-2011, 10:01 PM

I suggest swapping in your friends open diff that doesn't clunk at all, and see what that does. A lot of work yes, but if you can eliminate the problem that way then its worth it.

edit: Do you have a proper alignment done? Not saying that'll solve your clunk but improper alignment isn't helping any.

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 10:07 PM

As I said in my original post, the diff has been swapped out (whole pumpkin). There was nothing wrong with the old diff and there is nothing wrong with the new one. The clunk is occurring else where in the drivetrain. The sound did not change at all between the two diffs.

Yes, the car was aligned at Touge Factory. Along with the old diff install and all the arms. Shits pro.

PoorMans180SX · 09-23-2011, 10:42 PM

Have you crawled under the car while it's on jackstands/a lift and searched for the noise? That's a crazy sound and with the stuff you've replaced, I think that's the only way you're going to find it.

Also, yes, your wheels will have more resistance to turning than they would with an open diff. It's natural and perfectly fine.

Matej · 09-23-2011, 10:43 PM

Inspect the driveshaft.

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 10:46 PM

@ Poor,

Yeah, me and a friend have stared at the drivetrain while the car was on stands making the noise. Nothing seems unusual.

Playing with the axles by hand doesn't seem to have any excess play. The output shafts on the diff start spinning as soon as you move the axle. Makes me think the CV joints are fine but I won't know until I replace them...

I've also hear of the nut for the axles through the hub isn't tight enough, new 350z have this problem I think. Will be trying to rule that out when I put in new axles.

Thanks on the diff answer, me and my friend were scratching our heads.

@ Matej,

I just installed a brand new DSS 1 piece today. I am posting this thread now after that not working and being completely frustrated.

IIIXziuR · 09-23-2011, 10:46 PM

Didn't you have the same exact problem with your old S13?
This is like DÃ©jÃ* vu or something...

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 10:48 PM

Dude, I totally did. That's why this is pissing me off so much.

It's like a curse that follows me from s-chassis to s-chassis.

I sold my S13 because of this problem. Now the S14 has it about 6 months after owning it.

My FC3S didn't do this... just sayin

MidwestMyriad pointed out it must be the driver Ha~HA -______-

yomisiu · 09-23-2011, 11:02 PM

take it to a shop and have them figure it out before it gets worse and stuff starts to break

Matej · 09-23-2011, 11:02 PM

Can you feel it vibrate the car, or is it just the noise?
Any possibility it could be the exhaust?

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yomisiu

take it to a shop and have them figure it out before it gets worse and stuff starts to break

In hindsight, after spending thousands of dollars, I should have done that from the start. However, I feel like they wouldn't be able to figure it out either unless they had spare parts to swap in and out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matej

Can you feel it vibrate the car, or is it just the noise?
Any possibility it could be the exhaust?

Vibration not really, you can hear the noise and feel the clunk in the car.

We unbolted the exhaust and moved it to the side while the car was on jack stands. It still clunked :/ that was one of the first things we thought because the exhaust moves around a bit.

PoorMans180SX · 09-23-2011, 11:11 PM

I'm saying you should feel along the drivetrain while it's clunking. Maybe you can pinpoint the source by feeling it.

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 11:15 PM

I'll give that a try but it requires 2 people. Someone has to be engaging and disengaging the clutch for it to clunk. Hope I don't lose a finger.

Matej · 09-23-2011, 11:21 PM

Since you replaced or checked pretty much everything else, my guess would be the transmission.

This fellow's bad rear transmission bearing seemed to cause similar symptoms:
http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/145929...-clunking.html

seeks14 · 09-23-2011, 11:25 PM

sounds like an axle problem. sounds like cv joints are dried out..just my 2 cents..let me know what you find out and good luck wish i could be more help ..

lflkajfj12123 · 09-23-2011, 11:26 PM

That would be a bummer. Is there anyway to confirm the transmission is creating this clunking without swapping it out?

I have stock clutch and all that so its never been messed with.

@seek

Could be... but the CV boots are not torn or anything. Looks like new, from inspection I feel like it can't be the axles but I will be trying that next if no one comes up with anything on here.

dreamin240sx · 09-23-2011, 11:36 PM

ya man it sounds like theres something wrong with your tranny.

R@ddy · 09-23-2011, 11:55 PM

i say tranny as well..try to start(as it from a stop sign) in second gear and see if it does it.

lflkajfj12123 · 09-24-2011, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s13_kidd

i say tranny as well..try to start(as it from a stop sign) in second gear and see if it does it.

It does it in second gear from start and first and reverse. It also does it between shifts and on/off throttle.

ILoveMyRHS13 · 09-24-2011, 12:25 AM

Do a burnout. If something breaks, you'll know what the problem is. If nothing breaks, you win.

Seriously, though, you have horrible luck with clunking rears, don't you?

09-23-2011, 09:00 PM	#1
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	rear end clunk :\| can't for the life of me figure out whats causing this crappy video the car clunks upon swift engagement of the clutch, tapping of the throttle, and in between shifts. no clunk when braking. basically anything that shocks the drivetrain makes it clunk. things i have done to try and diagnose it / mods to the car solid subframe bushings (psm risers) nismo motor mounts and trans mount full spl arms (professionally installed and aligned) swapped whole pumpkin to a s13 good pumpkin with a tomei 2 way that had no issues (lash was set perfect on both diffs) 1 piece dss aluminum driveshaft the rear bumper support is solid tight nothing in the trunk or anything like that coilover tophats are tight as coilovers are not leaking and i don't suspect them to be blown at all the subframe has NO visual cracks on the bottom and i cannot feel any on the top of it every nut and bolt is tight balljoints seem superb (CAR ONLY HAS 70K MILES) crossing out the driveshaft and diff leads me to believe its the axles but it they are in perfect condition. no tears to the boots. when i try and move them with my hands i can't create any play they seem fine... but this is the next thing i'm going to try replacing anyway the noise is much more apparent on the driver side rear but i don't even know what to think anymore one more thing i was questioning, when i try to spin the rear wheels while the car is in gear i felt like i had a lot more resistance to spin them than on my friends s13. he has an open diff and i have the 2way... not sure if its just the nature of the diff causing that. i can't imagine my transmission being bad and causing this clunk. all though the trans feels funny going into gear but i figured it was because of this lash in the drivetrain. trans fluid has been changed too. i have searched through every thread on the internet and have yet to find a solution would be awesome if anyone can add some insight thank you

09-23-2011, 09:03 PM	#2
matts13vert Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Long Beach Age: 32 Posts: 1,202 Trader Rating: (31) Feedback Score: 31 reviews	Have u checked your diff's back lash? __________________ VISIT OUR NEW SITE! streetfaction.net

09-23-2011, 09:10 PM	#4
KiLLeR2001 Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: オーランドフロリダ Posts: 7,955 Trader Rating: (46) Feedback Score: 46 reviews	This is probably a combination of the solid subframe bushings + 2way LSD. Not only that but your car is not even on the ground. __________________

09-23-2011, 10:01 PM	#12
KiLLeR2001 Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: オーランドフロリダ Posts: 7,955 Trader Rating: (46) Feedback Score: 46 reviews	I suggest swapping in your friends open diff that doesn't clunk at all, and see what that does. A lot of work yes, but if you can eliminate the problem that way then its worth it. edit: Do you have a proper alignment done? Not saying that'll solve your clunk but improper alignment isn't helping any. __________________

09-23-2011, 10:42 PM	#14
PoorMans180SX Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 36 Posts: 5,573 Trader Rating: (16) Rides Gallery: PoorMans180SX Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Have you crawled under the car while it's on jackstands/a lift and searched for the noise? That's a crazy sound and with the stuff you've replaced, I think that's the only way you're going to find it. Also, yes, your wheels will have more resistance to turning than they would with an open diff. It's natural and perfectly fine. __________________ Build: http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=643065 Friends don't let friends buy knock-offs.

09-23-2011, 09:06 PM	#3
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	yes. i swapped whole pumpkin anyways. my old diff was installed professionally and the new diff the previous owner had no problems with it. the backlash is not causing it, shits good.

09-23-2011, 09:11 PM	#5
Corbic Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: US Age: 40 Posts: 8,225 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	DId you just change you wheels? I had a chunk like that when I had a hub go bad after a someone didn't torque the wheel down on their side. Motor Mounts and exhaust mounts may be shot, i know my car currently vibrates violently going in reverse because of those, whole exhaust bangs around. Sigh

09-23-2011, 09:12 PM	#6
future Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SoCal 909 Age: 31 Posts: 4,743 Trader Rating: (42) Feedback Score: 42 reviews	I have the same noise, I'm suspecting my pos vlsd cause the j30 I pulled it out of was at 190k and the oil in there looks like it was never changed. And I never thought about checking backlash With my car in gear you can't get on and off the gas fast or without putting the clutch inane easing like your starting from a stop. If that makes any sense. But if you don't the car shakes back and forth (like when somebody is learning to drive stock and can't drive for shit) I originally though it was my mounts that were torn. But that didn't work. Now I also suspect my suspensions arms in the back. Cause when I installed my rear toe arms the noise is louder then when it was jut after market RUCA. I'll keep a eye on this thread cause I'd deff like to fix that nasty noisE

09-23-2011, 09:31 PM	#8
s13 loverr Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New Mexico Posts: 203 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Have you tried reinstalling the clutch? I know it sounds weird but just as a suggestion.

09-23-2011, 09:31 PM	#9
joefresh Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2007 Location: socal Posts: 451 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	Id suggest getting under there with a pry bar and try moving some possible pieces around, I know you posted your cv joint is bad, maybe the bushings on your upright are toast like mine reread the post, have you replaced the diff carrier bushings in the subframe? it kinda sounds like something is broken, can you shift the subframe around with a pry bar?

09-23-2011, 09:49 PM	#11
joefresh Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2007 Location: socal Posts: 451 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	I got all the same shit literally except the risers and my diff is kaaz, like i said it sounds broken, either your diff or some joint is fucked you should be able to see some movement man

09-23-2011, 10:07 PM	#13
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	As I said in my original post, the diff has been swapped out (whole pumpkin). There was nothing wrong with the old diff and there is nothing wrong with the new one. The clunk is occurring else where in the drivetrain. The sound did not change at all between the two diffs. Yes, the car was aligned at Touge Factory. Along with the old diff install and all the arms. Shits pro.

09-23-2011, 10:43 PM	#15
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 9,423 Trader Rating: (39) Feedback Score: 39 reviews	Inspect the driveshaft.

09-23-2011, 10:46 PM	#16
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	@ Poor, Yeah, me and a friend have stared at the drivetrain while the car was on stands making the noise. Nothing seems unusual. Playing with the axles by hand doesn't seem to have any excess play. The output shafts on the diff start spinning as soon as you move the axle. Makes me think the CV joints are fine but I won't know until I replace them... I've also hear of the nut for the axles through the hub isn't tight enough, new 350z have this problem I think. Will be trying to rule that out when I put in new axles. Thanks on the diff answer, me and my friend were scratching our heads. @ Matej, I just installed a brand new DSS 1 piece today. I am posting this thread now after that not working and being completely frustrated.

09-23-2011, 10:46 PM	#17
IIIXziuR Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Left Hand Path Posts: 2,655 Trader Rating: (22) Feedback Score: 22 reviews	Didn't you have the same exact problem with your old S13? This is like DÃ©jÃ* vu or something... __________________ ... ... ... ... .

09-23-2011, 10:48 PM	#18
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	Dude, I totally did. That's why this is pissing me off so much. It's like a curse that follows me from s-chassis to s-chassis. I sold my S13 because of this problem. Now the S14 has it about 6 months after owning it. My FC3S didn't do this... just sayin MidwestMyriad pointed out it must be the driver Ha~HA -______-

09-23-2011, 11:02 PM	#19
yomisiu Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 1,675 Trader Rating: (16) Feedback Score: 16 reviews	take it to a shop and have them figure it out before it gets worse and stuff starts to break

09-23-2011, 11:11 PM	#22
PoorMans180SX Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 36 Posts: 5,573 Trader Rating: (16) Rides Gallery: PoorMans180SX Feedback Score: 16 reviews	I'm saying you should feel along the drivetrain while it's clunking. Maybe you can pinpoint the source by feeling it. __________________ Build: http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=643065 Friends don't let friends buy knock-offs.

09-23-2011, 11:15 PM	#23
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	I'll give that a try but it requires 2 people. Someone has to be engaging and disengaging the clutch for it to clunk. Hope I don't lose a finger.

09-23-2011, 11:21 PM	#24
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 9,423 Trader Rating: (39) Feedback Score: 39 reviews	Since you replaced or checked pretty much everything else, my guess would be the transmission. This fellow's bad rear transmission bearing seemed to cause similar symptoms: http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/145929...-clunking.html

09-23-2011, 11:25 PM	#25
seeks14 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: riverside ca Age: 34 Posts: 730 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	sounds like an axle problem. sounds like cv joints are dried out..just my 2 cents..let me know what you find out and good luck wish i could be more help .. __________________ JDM-FIEND.COM ASE cert.

09-23-2011, 11:26 PM	#26
lflkajfj12123 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 　　　　　　　　 Posts: 8,483 Trader Rating: (20) Feedback Score: 20 reviews	That would be a bummer. Is there anyway to confirm the transmission is creating this clunking without swapping it out? I have stock clutch and all that so its never been messed with. @seek Could be... but the CV boots are not torn or anything. Looks like new, from inspection I feel like it can't be the axles but I will be trying that next if no one comes up with anything on here.

09-23-2011, 11:36 PM	#27
dreamin240sx Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: west virginia Age: 32 Posts: 531 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	ya man it sounds like theres something wrong with your tranny. __________________ RB POWA!!!!!!!!

09-23-2011, 11:55 PM	#28
R@ddy Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Zacatecas, Mx; Paramount, Ca Age: 34 Posts: 1,628 Trader Rating: (32) Feedback Score: 32 reviews	i say tranny as well..try to start(as it from a stop sign) in second gear and see if it does it.