WRX Wagon drive line clunk

[Theo]

I'm experiencing a lot of lash in my driveline. It clunks when I back off the throttle after hard acceleration. I just talked to the shop (she's in for 30K tune up) and they can't find the problem. I have STI motor and trans mounts I figured were busted. They seem ok.

Scott, What bushing did you replace in the rear end? I thought I remembered you said it cleared up a clunk in the rear.

Any ideas?

Theo

[Kevin M]

The rear diff clunk usually comes from hard shifts. I'd check your exhaust clearances, particularly with the rear sway bar. Also, check the torque on the STi mounts.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Theo

I'm experiencing a lot of lash in my driveline. It clunks when I back off the throttle after hard acceleration. I just talked to the shop (she's in for 30K tune up) and they can't find the problem. I have STI motor and trans mounts I figured were busted. They seem ok.

Scott, What bushing did you replace in the rear end? I thought I remembered you said it cleared up a clunk in the rear.

Any ideas?

Theo

Whiteline makes polyurethane bushings for the rear diff subframe. I forget the p/n but they cost very little and should clear up that clunk.

[Theo]

I'm going to give it a try. She sure runs better after the 30k tune up. Strange that it would run better when the only thing they did besides fluids was plugs.

Theo

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Theo

I'm going to give it a try. She sure runs better after the 30k tune up. Strange that it would run better when the only thing they did besides fluids was plugs.

Theo

Plugs can make a huge difference! How were the old ones that came out?

[Theo]

Kicking self in butt, I didn't ask to look.

Theo

[Theo]

My clunk is getting louder. I think I have identified the location of the noise. it's the top of the left rear strut. Either strut itself or the tophat. If I grab the tire at 12 and 6 and rock it I can hear a clunk. Strangly I cannot detect any movement. If I reach in and grab the spring and push pull it I can hear it too. That should rule out the wheel bearings. I pulled the top 3 nuts and tightened the main top nut. It was tight. I supppose I should remove the strut and check it. Perhaps I've worn the strut out.

Maybe time for new struts. 30 K miles on em with 5k or so using lowered springs.

Theo

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Theo

My clunk is getting louder. I think I have identified the location of the noise. it's the top of the left rear strut. Either strut itself or the tophat. If I grab the tire at 12 and 6 and rock it I can hear a clunk. Strangly I cannot detect any movement. If I reach in and grab the spring and push pull it I can hear it too. That should rule out the wheel bearings. I pulled the top 3 nuts and tightened the main top nut. It was tight. I supppose I should remove the strut and check it. Perhaps I've worn the strut out.

Maybe time for new struts. 30 K miles on em with 5k or so using lowered springs.

Theo

It does kinda sound like the struts are done. Lowering srpings can move the shock out of it's optimal position, but the stiffer spring will wear out the shock faster. Not to mention isn't not unheard of stock shocks going out in 30k miles, let alone 30k miles that incluse autoX and your "spirited" driving over Geiger.

You might want to look into the KYB AGXs or something... it'll gain your a stiffer shock to match the lowering springs, as well as 4 position adjustment.

[Theo]

What I would like is a set of struts that will adjust in height from 1 inch over stock to 1+ inch under stock. With springs that are a little stiffer than stock.

Perhaps I should check with S-Squared.

Theo

[MattR]

Originally Posted by Theo

What I would like is a set of struts that will adjust in height from 1 inch over stock to 1+ inch under stock. With springs that are a little stiffer than stock.

Perhaps I should check with S-Squared.

Theo

john evans still has his koni's for sale

[Theo]

I ordered front and rear adjustable koni shocks for the Karman Ghia today. Expensive little buggers.

Theo