Are my subframe bushings bad?

[HokieZHP]

So I've had a clunk in my rear end for a few weeks now and as of recently, it's gotten really bad. Whenever I hit a bump or sometimes cornering it clunks. My swaybar is good and tight and all the fittings are as well. I know my RTAB's were replaced when I bought the car 2 years ago.

I'm thinking it's the subframe bushings? Any ideas?

[echo46]

How are the rear shock mounts?

[HokieZHP]

Haven't checked. How can I tell if they're bad?

[derbo]

double verify your subframe area. I would check for cracks too.. does it only do it on bumps?

[danewilson77]

Haven't checked. How can I tell if they're bad?

If they're really bad.....you may be able to visually see them rotted or cracked. If not...a quick disassemble and inspect would work.

Check tightness of the nuts as well.

Another way is to jack up the rear with one jack, then put another jack under suspect rear control arm. while jacking it up....look to see if the mount becomes unseated.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/shock_mount_2_big.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/shock_mount_2_big.jpg.html)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/dsc03713-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/dsc03713-1.jpg.html)

[HokieZHP]

double verify your subframe area. I would check for cracks too.. does it only do it on bumps?

Yes only on bumps. I was asking because it sounds like it's on the back right side of the car which is now making me think it's the shock mount. I feel like the subframe bushings would be more centered


Dane, I'll check those tomorrow if I have time.

[Johnmadd]

When mine were bad in the e30 the whole rear end would swing out, and icould feel it swing out.

My honest opinion is the diff mount, and the only way is to visually look for cracks although this is not a good way to confirm.

Could just be a bad rsm though as said previously, pull the carpet and look or/and pull on the shock from the underside.

[HokieZHP]

Well I drove a curvy road the other day and could feel the rear come out a bit on some turns. I wasn't paying all too much attention but I think it was on left hand turns

I'll check it all tomorrow and report back

[Johnmadd]

If you drop it in gear does it clunk?

[HokieZHP]

I haven't noticed it but I'll try on my way home tonight and see. Do you mean rev it up in a gear then drop it into the next? Like 1st-2nd

[Johnmadd]

Any good shift should let you know, as long as your getting on it. Again (I sound like an old guy now), in my experiences subframe problems are more side to side so if you can figure out if its driveline more in a straight line from a stop and subframe in the turns. I am not an expert... just my experience and theories.

[derbo]

more like a clutch drop. Also if i was in neutral at a light and I didnt step on the pedal and tried to force the shift knob into gear, i would hear a clunk. I had 3 bad diff mounts.

It's another possibility, but I think looking at it is truly the best way to eliminate what it ISNT.

[HokieZHP]

Thanks guys. I'll check it out tomorrow. I'll snap some pics too. I'm really hoping to get this sorted out before the meet.

[BimmerWill]

My rear end seems to swing as well. Would love to see how you get this sorted out as it will probably be what I tackle next.

How much do those bushings usually run?

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[HokieZHP]

So I drove home last night and did some drop shifts and punched the throttle in the power and and there is NO clunk when I do that. Just over bumps and such. I also had someone ride in the back and it's not concentrated in the back right as much as I thought. Rather its just coming from the back end.

Just an update. Will try to look it over in a few hours

[328ioc]

When mine were bad in the e30 the whole rear end would swing out, and icould feel it swing out.

My honest opinion is the diff mount, and the only way is to visually look for cracks although this is not a good way to confirm.

Could just be a bad rsm though as said previously, pull the carpet and look or/and pull on the shock from the underside.

I will second the diff mount. I known for a fact mine has a small crack in it and I do get a clunk from time to time.

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[Tnhl1989]

Does anyone know where I can find instructions of a diy for dropping the DIFF?

[BimmerWill]

I found one today actually. If you don't have any luck finding one ill post it up tomorrow morning between classes.

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[sillieidiot]

+1 for rsm

[Tnhl1989]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=521636&highlight=differential+bushings