When I am on the road and I merge a lane and roll over thoes reflectors, when I run them over with the pass side rear it thumps real loud. It sounds like the tire is flat when I hit these things. I thought, originaly, that the tire needed air, but it was fine. Maybe the sping or strut is doing it. Its not like these things are that big, so the throw of the strut and spring would not be that much. I don't feel any vibration at any speed, or any other noises while driving. Anyone know what this could be? It just started a few weeks ago.

 

Check for loose bolts/nuts in any/all of the suspension components on that corner. Also check for a blown shock. When the RR strut went on my 240sx, a thumping like that was the first thing I noticed.

 

also check to see if you lost a hanger for your muffler.....could be hitting that .

 

If it is a blown shock, could it be repaird. I've got Mugen Lowdown, I don't know anything about taking it apart, but could it be done, repair a blown shock.

 

I had the same "thump" on my car as well...only happened on the right rear side as well.....nothing was missing, but I couldn't find it. I figured it was exhaust related somewhere....My car was lowered with H&R springs. Shocks were not blown either.

 

The sway bar bushing is bad (melted?).

Replace it and STOP DRIVING WITHOUT A MUFFLER!!!!

 

What did I miss?

 

D-d-d-d-drama

 

I dunno, I just learned this the hard way. I had this "THUMP" and found out the bushing was bad... after I blew out the second one, I realized that it was because it got too hot from me being silly and taking off the muffler for track days

 

What makes you think he does not have a muffler though?

 

just a guess. I know it can go bad other ways.. I guess I forgot the " " after I typed that in caps.. hehe

 

Is it possible that the d-bracket bushings for the rear sway could be not properly greased (not enough grease, but some) and caused a 'thud' like that on bumps aroudn town? (thinking of my current setup)

CHris - who has narrowed it down to that or the rear plastic around the 3rd brake light being slightly loose and tapping the glass on bumps.


[Modified by Chris N, 5:21 PM 3/11/2003]

 

ya i got the same thing happening to my car it drives me crazy! someone please help!

 

I had the same problem with my car...... It ended up being the exhaust. The rubber bushings that hold the exhaust onto the hangers were stretching on hard bumps and causing the exhaust to bounce a little. I temporarily fixed by putting zip-ties aroung the bushings until a friend got me some stronger polyurethane holders.

 

was there any marks on the exhaust? (just wondering so i can tell if that is the same problem i have?) and what did you get to fix it?

 

I'll inspect the muffler, 3rd brake light, and bushing on sway bar. I don't think it will be the brake light though. You can tell it is deffinatly outside the car. Plus it only happens on one side.

P.S. I do have a muffler!

 

That's what I figured it was, as it only started after I lowered the car as well. and it sounded like it was coming from the right rear area of the floor.