Help!

My 98 GSRcoupe, has developed a strange noise. It is most noticable when driving 15-30mph, over very bumpy roads. The noise is a very solid sounding clunk or thunk that resonates one or two times after each bump. It sounds very "solid", more plastic than metal. It sounds like what you would expect the spare tire would sound like if it were rattling around in its well. But, I have checked and the spare and jack are both securely fastened. I could not budge either one pulling with great force.

I know that it is defintely not the infamous hatch rattle, because I have ridden in the trunk while someone else drove the car. It is definetly coming from underneath the car.

If it matters, I do have a Type R rear sway bar, which was installed by King Motorsports. I have checked, and all connections seem to be secure, and I didn't see any signs of it hitting the exhaust (stock.)

Could it be a loose shock? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

Mike

 

WOW you really want to find that rattle!!!!

Sorry, Im not sure what it is, I would have thought it to be the hatch thing.

 

Make sure you check the rubber bushings that connect the endlink to the Lower control arm..it should NOT move (or have ANY play). Also make sure your subframe is not tearing...

 

You may want to check to make sure the sway bar was installed properly. It is possible to install it upside-down.

Here's a pic from BSQ's website that shows way the bar should be:

Edit: Try here: http://geocities.com/bretq/swaybar_install.html

BSQ - Hope you don't mind me using your pic..


[Modified by eskram, 12:32 PM 1/29/2002]

 

I've got clunks too. I've learned to live with it

 

Thanks for the responses so far!

I don't think I am experiencing tear--out problems. I already have, after I originally installed the bar myself using the instructions from the hybrid civic pages. The bar tore out about 10 months after. When it did, I took it to King Motorsports to have the crossmember repaired, reinforced, and the sway bar remounted using their adapters. I have rechecked the mounting points, and see no indications of tearout.

I am sure the sway bar is installed correctly. As I said above, it was installed by the able mechanics at King Motorsports. These guys prep racecars and are the only authorized dealer of Mugen products in the US. I would hope they know what they are doing.

I am trying to live with the noise, and will if I have too, but I am really worried that something is wrong.

Anybody else?

Mike

I take it in for the 60k mile service in 2 weeks, and will have them check it out then, but would like to sound like I know what I am talking about when I take it in.

Mike

 

did you blow a shock?

 

I don't know if I have blown a shock, but I certainly won't rule that out. I haven't noticed any detrimental change in handling in my car, and haven't seen any signs when I have tested the shocks by pushing down on the car and watching the rebound.

 

just buy a brand new car and it will definately stop the clunking noise. and give me your gsr so i can use it as parts.


[Modified by B18CRacer, 9:34 PM 1/29/2002]

 

Have you removed your heat shields from above your exhaust? Sometimes, whether you have or not (more likely if you have), at the right temperature and RPM's your exhaust can shake so much that it actually rattles up against the heat shield, or the body where the heat shield should be. I put a 5-Zigen Fireball on my LS in my 92 Hatch. In order to fit the exhaust better and to stop the constant rattle I had to remove the heat shield, and now it occasionally rattles like that. It sounds more like plastic rattling, but thats deffinately what it is. Usually when it rattles I can feel it on the floor. the way to check is to see if there are clean spots on your heat shield or on the body where it might be hitting. The exhaust will have rubbed off the dirt and it should be shiny. ALSO, make sure all your exhaust hangers are still attached, you may have lost a rubber hanger, or maybe one is loose. Good Luck. Peace.

 

Maybe your jack in your trunk ipoo pooing your spare tire. ...thats if you still have those.
...wait, maybe not. What kinds of road are you driving on?


[Modified by Designbot, 2:29 AM 1/30/2002]

 

you wont notice a diff in handling if its a bushing in the end link...

 

mikeeee, I'm not sure if you have found your clunking noise or not. But in case you have not, check to see if the swaybar is making contact with the ABS sensor wire bracket which is connected to the lower control arm (LCA). Under suspension compression the swaybar could be coming in contact with the bracket. Look for a wear mark on the underside of the swaybar. I had someone who purchased one of my BSQ Type-R rear swaybar mounting kits have a similiar clunking noise and this was the problem. I also noticed that my swaybar was making contact with the bracket (ie. wear mark on swaybar), but not enough to make any noise. To correct the problem, I just loosened the bracket from the LCA and bent the bracket slighty towards the LCA and then retighten the bracket. The slight bend of the bracket makes the bracket sit deeper in the recess of the LCA and prevents the swaybar from contacting it. HTH

Here is a picture which may help you visualize what I have described.

http://www.geocities.com/bretq/TypeR...ed_closeup.jpg