Clunk Clunk when braking S14. =(

[K_style]

I have 97 240sx and I have this problem that I can not figure it out what.

My car makes very very hard and loud "Clunk" noise when I step on brake and car shifts to right side and comes back to normal when I release the brake.

Also it makes clunk noise when I turn the steering at complete stop or at slow speed.

Funny thing is, it does not make "Clunk" noise by driving. it only happens with braking.

I noticed that my diver side Tein outer tie-rod pillow ball rubber boot has a crack and might be making noise from there. but not this massive loud clunk from passenger side.

I lifted my car for an inspection. I noticed my passenger side lower control arm bushings look weird so I ordered new energy suspension bushings.

Yesterday I took lower control arm off and replaced bushing however, on passenger side LCA, "Shell" has came off from LCA it self and I just put it back on with new bushings.

*Shell : pipe looking piece goes at the end of LCA and where bushings go in.

After long hard working for replacing bushings, I took the car out for test drive and unfortunately it still makes "Clunk" noise when braking.


I am about to loose my mind. I missed an event last week due to this issue, and I have been stressed out so much because of this issue !!



I called few people about some opinion, they all suggested to check tension rod bushings, strut=coilovers.

I have aftermarket tension rod and it is pillow ball without bushings and my coilovers seems all tighten up.

Can you all think of any other suggestions ? Please help me..

Worst case I will have to take it to shop and have them fix it whatever it is.. pretty sad if I do though... Rather have no one touch my car.

[upsdude]

check if one of the brake calipers are loose?

[jesse_s13]

+1...........

[K_style]

calipers are as tight as it can be..

[K_style]

it feels like whole front end is moving when it happens. Wonder if rack and pinion is bad.

FYI Rack and pinion has new bushings as well

[jesse_s13]

Kinda random but have you checked the motor mounts or tranny mount?

[Edwin562]

i have same problem... bump for solution....

[Acecool]

Ok, the big metal bar that connects to the bottom of the hub mount. Make sure that is tight and torqued. It will cause the car to shift when applying brakes or will also shift the car when in a turn either right or left depending on the side ( if its the right side it happens when making left turns, etc.. ) when its loose..

Edit:

The gold thing in this photo to the left. Make sure the rightmost bolt on it is tight. It connects to the crossmember!
http://www.sillbeer.com/images/exterior/undercar-engine.jpg

[K_style]

Ok, the big metal bar that connects to the bottom of the hub mount. Make sure that is tight and torqued. It will cause the car to shift when applying brakes or will also shift the car when in a turn either right or left depending on the side ( if its the right side it happens when making left turns, etc.. ) when its loose..

Edit:

The gold thing in this photo to the left. Make sure the rightmost bolt on it is tight. It connects to the crossmember!
http://www.sillbeer.com/images/exterior/undercar-engine.jpg

that gold thing on left is LCA and very right side bolt is what I just replaced with new bushings and tighten good..

Another thing I noticed today.
I tried braking while I am going reverse, and it does not make that clunk noise.

I am going to check my coilover again today... I will update after

Thanks all

[K_style]

I found out what happened...

Apparently its from Crossmember. And that also caused engine mount nut almost came off..

I tried to take Crossmember nuts off on driver side, guess what people.. Stud is broken and can't event take nuts off.

I looked at FSM and I guess there are 2 studs connected which that is what's broken in my car causing crossmember to shift back and forth.

Does anyone know how to replace those bolts.???

[K_style]

Does anyone know how to replace those bolts.???


please anyone ??

[Steinkrunk]

I would have said tension rods for sure but it seems you've found the problem. If you look down along the frame rail you should see a long piece of plastic that connects both of the bolts that secure the crossmember. I would just try to grind the heads off and see if you can pop em out the bottom. Then find some grade 8 or better bolts and replace them.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/Steinkrunk/DSCF6469.jpg

I circled what I'm talking about in red. You might not have broke the bolts, you just aren't holding the top and it's just spinning.

[K_style]

I would have said tension rods for sure but it seems you've found the problem. If you look down along the frame rail you should see a long piece of plastic that connects both of the bolts that secure the crossmember. I would just try to grind the heads off and see if you can pop em out the bottom. Then find some grade 8 or better bolts and replace them.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/Steinkrunk/DSCF6469.jpg

I circled what I'm talking about in red. You might not have broke the bolts, you just aren't holding the top and it's just spinning.


Awesome Awesome !!! Thanks !!!

Wonder how difficult it is doing that with engine in the car..

[K_style]

Awesome Awesome !!! Thanks !!!

Wonder how difficult it is doing that with engine in the car..

I found those bolts and I think it would be accessible with engine in.
Also found out bolts were not broken, only nuts were loose but decided to replace them with new ones anyways..

Thanks again !

[hitt1]

I just started earing that "clunk" noise on my S14 recently.. I better check it tomorrow...

[K_style]

Just got it fixed today... after long long hours of work.
I replaced those Crossmember bolts and nuts, but it did not solve the problem.
Started disassemble all the stuff, coilover, brake, tension rod etc..

Found out that it was tension rod causing this "clunk clunk" noise.. now it is fixed and I am happy !! Thanks everyone !

[g00se]

Was one of the adjusting nuts loose on the tension rod? Im having the same issue only on hard braking ( clunk on initial brake press and again when i let off the brake ).

[240sx1234]

interested in finding out what this is. Im having the same sort of issues, but I think it may be my calipers.

[K_style]

Just got it fixed today...
Found out that it was tension rod causing this "clunk clunk" noise.. now it is fixed and I am happy !! Thanks everyone !

interested in finding out what this is. Im having the same sort of issues, but I think it may be my calipers.


Uggghhhhhhh

it's been solved...:picardfp: