Just installed subframe spacers...now clunking?

[csdcowboy]

I put them in Sunday, and it made a bigger difference than I was expecting! Goodbye suspension gap! haha

But the problem...the rear end's been 'clunking' quite a bit, particularly when shifting. If I make it really smooth, I can usually eliminate most of it, but not all.

Also, I've noticed that when I go into reverse, it makes a grinding sort of noise. I haven't had the chance to look into it to see if it's a brake issue or transmission...or something else.

Anyways, is there something I could've done wrong w/the spacers? I put them in tapered side down, like the directions stated, tightening to 65lbs. I used the diffferential as the floor jack point, but I can't imagine that would be the problem. Is there anything that could've been hit or something that might result in the clunking?

Thanks for any info!

[LH1-Hatch]

Dunno if it makes any difference, but I torqued mine down to 80 ft/lbs and do not experience these issues you describe.

[TheWolf]

I believe the factory spec for those is around 120#. I also have a clunk but I think that's more my driveshaft rubbing the exhaust...

[csdcowboy]

Hrm...can you guys get any sources for tightening that tight?

[jy116]

should be in the FSM... its in here sumwhere as a zip file... torque it to wutever the FSM says for subframe bolts. Did u get the 4 pc or 8pc ones?

[csdcowboy]

I got 4 piece. I've got the FSM, but haven't looked through it yet...I figured the directions I got with the spacers were correct.



EDIT: Found it in the FSM. It says 72-87lbs. Is that number going to be any different since I have the spacers in there? I don't want to end up snapping the bolt (since there'll be more resistance).

[morpheus8486]

Mine do that. I just figured it was normal for more noise to be transferred into the cabin or something like that.

[TurDz]

I have two friends who have them also and there is a little bit of clunking as you describe. I'm pretty sure it's normal.

I agree that 80 ft-lbs is the correct torque spec.

[OptionZero]

it used to be rubber or plastic, now it's metal. Metal is hard. Clunking is normal, but make sure you tighten to spec.

[csdcowboy]

Alrighty, 80lbs it is. Is it necessary to jack it up again to tighten them or is it okay to do it while on the ground?

Thanks for the help fellas

[borohingacoupe]

Couple of questions...

How hard were these to install?

What kind did you get?

How long did it take you?

Thanks
Matt

[Al_S14]

I got Powertrix spacers and they fit and work great. Very simple to install. Noise is normal.

[Ichi-Go]

I think the more important question is what LSD are you guys running.

I assume this clunk is diff related and not subframe movement. An ATS deftforce is going to clunk more than an open.

The subframe should not move enough to clunk if you have spacers.

[Ian]

the clunking is the drivetrain shifting under load...it's transfered more now that you have metal bushings in there...Just as Option Zero said

[nevaland9]

i dont have subframe spacers but i have a clunk im not sure if its the same clunk you guys are gettin i kno for a fact mine is from the exhaust hittin the diff

[aznpoopy]

Originally Posted by borohingacoupe

Couple of questions...

How hard were these to install?

What kind did you get?

How long did it take you?

Thanks
Matt

splparts has a install faq.

its simple, especially if you get the collars with the grooves so you can slide them right in.

[csdcowboy]

Mine are the Powertrix ones. Have to take the nuts off and lower the subframe a little get them on.

I hope it's not the drivetrain bein loud...it's friggin annoying!

[jy116]

i just put some T3 ones on, same as SPL, took over an hour cuz I couldnt get the rear top ones on. Subframe wasnt lowering low enough, so I pryed it down with a big screwdriver and that made enough room to slide them in. U cant snap anything torquing it to spec, theres plenty of thread engagement to spare.

BUT, now I hear clunkin too... sounds like sumthing is flopping on my driver rear half shaft? Everything looks OK... only happens in Neutral, on left turns... i have a old VLSD, fat 245/45/17s on back... any idea wut it could be...?

[TheWolf]

I had the same issue with mine. Started clunking on shifts or rough road etc etc. I thought my rear subframe was going to fall off.. It was the exhaust rubbing against the driveshaft. Check that before you start to suspect your subframe is going to fall off. After clearancing my muffler with a BFH I had no clunking with my Techno Toy Tuning ALuminum Spacers. BTW JY116. If you undo the left side and then do the right side you will have enough room to just slide them in without a prybar.

[nrg]

I'm using ebay special plastic subframe spacers. 8 pieces were installed. I didnt notice any clunking, but it does squeeks. After I got my alignement i notice a clunking sound when i make left turns. it sounds like it's coming from the back/right wheel. the slower i make a left turn, the louder it gets. I think something is rubbing my rear/right axles, because it only does it when i'm going up the RPM. The sound has a stedy beat too.

edit: jy116. haha, i have the same problem!

[shawn_16]

what's a bfh?

[thejester03]

My guess is Big Fat Hammer

[BillKlineVT]

or a Big Fucking Hammer... depends on how you look at it... hehe. I have the SPL ones and they def. make the clunking noise every time the subframe shifts, like on a shift. Alot more noise is introduced into the cabin with these, but I was used to the sound like the day after I put them on. Whenever my friends get in the car they ask me if that clunking is normal...I don't even notice it anymore. As far as I can tell... metal on metal contact vs the old rubber on metal will lead to more vibration/noise, so it's normal.

[Muzzy]

has anyone tried the peakracing urathane ones? i was think about those.....less noisy and harsh i imagine.

[samms95s14se]

Anyone tried the RS-R D1 SPec Polyurethane bushing Kit for S13 240SX 89-94? it has everything plus the subframe spacers and they just slip on or over without dropping the subframe. Im just waiting for them to release it for the S14 95-98 hopefully soon! I thought most of the bushings were the same anyways??


http://www.rs-r.com/news/?art=44

[nrg]

s13 and s14 uses the same style subframe bushings.

[fliprayzin240sx]

I did mine bout a month ago. Got some E-bay special ones from techno-toys from sac. I got the 8 piece slotted ones. It takes bout 20-30 mins tops depending on how quickly you can get those bolts off. Floor jack the rears, jack the diff, unbolt the 4 bolts holding the whole rear and the 4 support on the 2 front subframe bolts. Lower the jack slowly till you have enough room up top to slide the gapped bushings, then slip on the bottoms. Jack up the diff again, tighten the bolts to spec, off the jacks and your done. I got a diff *supposed a vlsd* but now im sure its not vlsd cuz i can actually hear/feel it lock up now with this bushings. Feel stiffer and more cabin noise from the rear but its nothing that would annoy you if you already have an exhaust.

[Teh Luckinator]

Clunking may be normal for clutch LSDs, but what about WHEEL HOP and car jerks when turning? I assumed my subframe bushing are completely shot because of the wheel hop, just making sure. Or could it be my diff bushings?

[ranisron]

I know my rear end jerks going over bumps or uneven surface (depends on how rough the roads are), I am assuming my subframe bushings are pretty dead. I have the SPL subframe spacers. I know my rear shocks are weak at this point, too.

[Teh Luckinator]

Not to mention, my rear rattles like crazy when I go 80 mph in 5th gear.