Installed SPL subframe bushings... have slight "clunk" noise in rear

[all4bspinnin]

Guys, I installed the SPL bushings in the rear subframe of my 240sx. I get some resonance around 3k and some drone on the highway from these things but thats to be expected.

My main concern is this clunk that is coming from the rear of the car... its starting to drive me crazy. Everytime i tap the gas it does it... i hear a slight clunk or a bump noise. Its basically an everytime thing.

I dont see what in the hell is still making bump noises because those subframe bushings are pretty solid and torqued down pretty good... so in other words, the subframe shouldnt be moving.

What else could it be?

I read that it could be the slop in the ring & pinion and thats why whenever i touch the gas it does it...??

im at a loss guys... please help before I sell this car.

[PoorMans180SX]

S13 or S14?

Probably just slop in your driveshaft or ring and pinion.

[SnakeKack]

Pinion shaft may have come backed out a little. I think the same thing happened to mine. I had my friend in the car tapping the gas to make the car move and you see it spin briefly before the axles spin. It has play in it. I think if you fix it soon you won't have to worry about getting a new diff.

[ManoNegra]

what's the condition of your tranny bushing?

I installed SPL solids subframe + diff bushings in one of my cars
I get a buzzing 'gear without lube' noise from the back
feeling is great though

[s13silvia123]

usually have to do with the diff like everyone is saying above. fix it soon or break or crack your rear subframe

[az_240]

Need more info... s13 diff or s14? What bushings in the diff? 2-way? open?

[chris13bt]

Try to re-tighten the subframe nuts, I remember on mines it used to clunk and was able to turn 5 clicks on them and went away after that. I still do check it occasionally when I do lsd oil change. I dunno if it matters but i'm running s14 sub on my hatch using spl offset bushings.

[aa87]

could also be the axles - mine have a little slop in em.

[iLagX]

Try to re-tighten the subframe nuts, I remember on mines it used to clunk and was able to turn 5 clicks on them and went away after that. I still do check it occasionally when I do lsd oil change. I dunno if it matters but i'm running s14 sub on my hatch using spl offset bushings.
isn't the s14 subframe bolt on to s13?

[chris13bt]

isn't the s14 subframe bolt on to s13?


If you use stock bushings you end up forcing it in the studs which later on causes failure due to stretched rubber. Spl makes offset bushings which is way cheaper price than yanack. To answer your question forcing it in means not really a direct bolt on but with the aid of the offset bushings you get instant wider stance with a peace of mind. :cool:

[kam]

It will be lash in the diff.
Get under the car and turn the prop with your hand, you'll hear/feel it :)

[gian52]

did u ever find out what this problem was my car does the samething is annoying how did u fix iiiiiiii

[Martino]

Had the same issue with my older welded diff.
Was simply backlash.

2 years of hard drifting on it...she had her time.

[di-devol]

I just did my s13 with spl bushings, same clunk. Pulled the diff last night, lotsa play in the diff, can make the same clunk with it by turning it back and forth.

[lflkajfj12123]

slop in the pinion

had the same problem with my old s13

i looked for every possible answer that was the only thing left

[GL Chrillz]

Just replaced my subframe bushings with PBM risers, and poly bushings on all the arms and i get a horrible clunking when turning low speeds. I have a welded diff, I'm assuming its that but it just seems like too much to be good now. and as stated by other people, when I hit the gas and shift I get a little clunking as if gears were loose and settling in now. That's gonna be my diff just taking too much abuse and ready to go right?