Mysterious front-end clunk

[gpsmith]

I own a '92 S13 with 118K miles that has developed a mysterious clunk whenever I turn into a driveway, or on an incline on the street. I don't feel any vibration through the steering wheel, so I don't thinks it's steering related. Today I pulled the front-end apart looking for the source of this noise. The lower-control arm ball-joints seem to be tight, as well as the tie rod ends... The struts seem to be alright, upper bearings are not loose. I have checked everthing, and have come up with nothing. Has anyone come across the same problem, and found the solution? Please post anything that might help. Thanks in advance for your help.

[240SXSlideStar]

A clunk is a worn bushing.

[SHIFT_KA24DE]

do you have aftermarket springs? sometimes if they are not fit right they won't seat nicely into your struts... the turning could cause it to shift around...

but then of course it's most likely cracked bushing... like what slidestar said.

[BSPerformance]

I have a 92 FB and i have the same prob annoys the hell out fo me can't find what bushing it is, i think its my engine or tranny mounts

[gpsmith]

Originally Posted by 240SXSlideStar

A clunk is a worn bushing.

Would that be the sway bar bushings. One side looks pretty tight, but the other has some small cracks and pulls away from the bar when the wheel is compressed into the fender.

[SHIFT_KA24DE]

bingo?

[gpsmith]

Thanks for your help. Am going to replace all bushings with energy suspension master bushing set. Will post the results soon.

[SHIFT_KA24DE]

i'm thinking about getting a set as well... installation is gonna be a b---h

[publicenemy137]

I have the exact same problem. Is it more of a clicking/grinding noise? I can't figure it out. My bushings look fine. Maybe I will just get a bushing kit to be sure

[lost180]

I have the same problem. Notice it mainly when backing up and turning wheel? It's the bearing for the upper strut mount... Can't find the site right now that sells just the bearing, but it'd prob be good to go ahead and replace the whole strut mount.
I replaced TR bushings, ball joints, before I finally found that damn bearing busted......


Edit: Found it!!

PDM Racing

Text:

S13 Front Top Bearing Mount Insulator

Does your front end pop, clunk and make grinding noises when you turn the wheels. When you are backing up out of your driveway, do you hear a violent metallic “POP” noise? Replaced your TC Rod bushings and still hear a clunk up front? Chances are, your top spring perch bearings are gone, and you are hearing the clunk of the bearing or the spring actually releasing as it winds itself up due to the bearing not allowing the spring and suspension to rotate through the 240SX’s proper swing. Dirt, grit, water all attack this actual bearing inside the mount and we see this situation time and time again on cars that come through our shop. Solution, change the entire unit today with an OEM top spring bearing mount insulator. This unit is a bearing mounted inside of metal cup that is surrounded by rubber to help isolate road noise, vibration and allow deflection of the spring assembly as your car’s suspension is turned and twisted. Over time, the bearing is attacked by water, grime and dirt, and the rubber breaks down from heat, salt and freezing. If the bearing seizes, it will not allow the shock assembly to rotate smoothly, and binds the spring

OEM Nissan S13 Front Top Bearing Mount Insulator 54320-35F00 ……. $48.25 US each

[publicenemy137]

thanks lost, it was exactly that problem. It got to a point where I would hit bumps and my bearings would make that noise. Well, i ordered new uppermounts from D2. Is there anyway to prevent it from happening again? My current D2s were pretty new... Grease up the bearings this time?

[R.W.240]

Originally Posted by gpsmith

Thanks for your help. Am going to replace all bushings with energy suspension master bushing set. Will post the results soon.

Dont replace your front tension Rod Bushing with that crap. It will cause your Tension Rod Bracket to crack eventually because it wont let the tension rods Rotate Freely.

Heim Joint or Stock is the only way to go for tension Rods.