Rotational Clunking...??

[The Chad]

Ok, so I have had some issues with a rotational clunk from the rear end of my S14.

Quick update on previous mods to solve "old" clunk (turned out to be bad subframe bushings: solved by installing alluminum collars). I have all new springs (Sportlines), Shocks (AGX's), control arms, traction rods, and aluminum subfram collars/spacers.

Ok, so now for the current problem. Since the install of the subframe collars I have noticed a clunking in the form of a rotational clunk in the rear end of the car. The thing is that the clunk is only apparent when torque is put on...i.e., really give it some gas, esp in higher gears and avg speed.

I have done alot of searching on Zilvia and a couple other sites and came up with most people swapping out their axles or differential bushings, where it connects to the subframe.

The problem is that i have cecked the differential bushings and they look fine. The CV boots around the axles have no tears so should be fine too?? So should I go ahead and swap out the axles and hope for the best?? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance. :)

[DP_Michelle G]

go back back and TQ ever bolt in the rear end

[The Chad]

go back back and TQ ever bolt in the rear end

Funny you mention that...When i first began hearing the clunk i jacked the rear end up and checked the bolts that hold the drive shaft to the diff...one was loose as shit. I torqued it down. Could this be from using my Manual non ABS Drive shaft on my R200 from a ABS equipped S14? I've been running the R200 for a few years now with no problems till lately, so I assumed this would not be the problem causing the clunk... Guess i'll find out when i jack up the car and recheck the bolts. (and re torquing the bolt that was loose did not resolve the clunking) Thanks again for your help in advance! :)

[aznpoopy]

my personal experience with this suggests its some kind of problem with the axle, usually on the side you are hearing it louder on

[The Chad]

my personal experience with this suggests its some kind of problem with the axle, usually on the side you are hearing it louder on

I'll def check that tomorrow. I agree, that it's prob just a bad axle. Plus, now it's making a whining sound in reverse...only from reverse. So def something rotational, like an axle. Thanks again!!!

[EAS13]

My S14 does this too. Like you said it only happens under acceleration. I don't have the reverse whine you do, so maybe you have a different problem.

Anyhow, we've previously gone through and re-tightened the entire arsenal of bolts/nuts in the rear section of the car, but it didn't help. The ONE thing that does make a bit of noise when it's on the hoist is the brake caliper. It has a bit of play and the pads/pad-clip can be moved slightly up and down. I don't see why it would only make a noise when accelerating, but I'll be fixing that next.