S14 rear end help

[atutt]

I searched through a few threads and found nothing that is close to my noise.

The rear end in my S14 makes horrible noise. I think the diff bushings my be shot?

The noise sounds SIMILAR to that of a FWD CV joint clunking noise. It's pretty loud.

The noise occurs only in forwards motions and under load/only when I accelerate.

It doesn't do it ANY other time. I've had the car on a hoist and put it in gear. But, the noise didn't happen.
So it's only when it's on the ground and under load.

At first I though maybe my axles were shot... Then a wheel bearing... then the diff itself...
But, I'm fairly confident that's not making the noise.

I"m lost but I think the diff bushings may be it.

I'll take a video later today to see if I can get it.

[projectRDM]

Subframe bushings, the fronts ones specifically. They wear out faster than anything else. Drop the little bracket that covers them and inspect, you'll see torn pieces and possibly even have some of the bushing fall out.

[atutt]

^I have solid aluminium subframe bushings installed.

[projectRDM]

^I have solid aluminium subframe bushings installed.

Helps if we know that.

Bearing noise doesn't make the sounds you're describing, it would be a groan or lower octave sound, and be constant. The diff bushings would sound similar to the subframe bushings, and only under a load. The best option is to lift the rear end and have someone else drive through the gears to see if the diff is moving around any, they'll need to drive it hard to create the same kind of load as it would have on the ground.

[atutt]

^My bad...

Here's a video with the noise I'm talking about!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i285/atutt/th_MOV001_x264.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i285/atutt/?action=view&current=MOV001_x264.flv)

[atutt]

Helps if we know that.

Bearing noise doesn't make the sounds you're describing, it would be a groan or lower octave sound, and be constant. The diff bushings would sound similar to the subframe bushings, and only under a load. The best option is to lift the rear end and have someone else drive through the gears to see if the diff is moving around any, they'll need to drive it hard to create the same kind of load as it would have on the ground.

I've already had it up on a hoist at a shop. we ran through every gear. Slow and fast. Nothing happened.

[atutt]

Can anybody confirm what's goin on here? I even posted you guys a vid!
If the vid is not working let me know.

[MAGILLA]

what the hell just a shot in the dark. Is the carrier bearing on your drive shaft shot? I had one crack up on me and it made a knocking sound over a certain speed.

[aznpoopy]

i had a similar noise before.
check exhaust for driveshaft contact

[atutt]

j^That was my very first thought.
I did check it. from what I COULD see, there were no fresh marks on the exhaust.

I don't know if this will help..

The noise started IMMEDIATELY after installed RUCA's and RTA's...
I thought maybe it was so badly misaligned, it was binding and making noises.
I had the the aligned and it didn't change.

[aznpoopy]

hmm. are the bolts holding the carrier bearing bracket down tight? maybe they worked themselves out.

if the rear suspension parts were binding you'd hear it going slow over bumps and stuff. (ask me how i know). i don't think that's you problem, but it wouldn't hurt to check if the alignment shop set the heim articulation properly (not twisted to the side).

i don't think this is your problem either, but how were the traction arms installed (if you have them)? typically an alignment shop won't touch them at all unless they know how to set rear bumpsteer.

[codunc]

Have you figured it out yet? im experiencing the exact same noise under the exact same circumstances. started from when i left the alignment shop after coilovers and rucas/toe arms..

[DUDEIDONTHAVEA240]

i know this is an old thread, but im having the same problem. did anyone ever figure out what the issue was?

[codunc]

In my case it was an axle.
I replaced them both with a set i knew to be good, and problem solved.
the only thing is i can't see why the old ones made noise. they didn't have play or feel loose at all, but i had been driving with them on a welded diff for 5,000 miles or so, and it damaged one.

[DUDEIDONTHAVEA240]

mine is a 97 with no lsd... its on kyb springs/struts and when i installed my SPL rucas the problem started. its the same exact noise, so i dont know wtf? i dont race/drift or anything.

[codunc]

make sure your heims aren't crooked, that can cause the bolt to rub the arm and might make noise. it was what i originally thought was wrong with mine.

[aznpoopy]

if its a clunk that increases frequency with road speed, its usually the axle. replace it.

i developed mine after installing subframe spacers. some people get it after lowering. my guess is stiffening suspension makes you notice what was hidden by all the stock mush. or, changing the angle of the axle (via lowering the car, or spacing down the subframe with a spacer) exacerbates an axle already on its way out.

if its a clunk that occurs with suspension movement (like hitting a speed bump), check heims.

[silvertable58]

anyone ever figure this out. i had my a car alignment to adjust my rear toes camber and now i got the same noise happening.