Rear suspension noise '02

**johnfin** · 04-16-2013, 05:08 PM

I have a rear clunking noise from the rear suspension when I go over bumps. The shocks are new bill steins. Is there a common problem with these cars?

**Knight** · 04-16-2013, 05:33 PM

Could be a few issues. Start by checking the panhard bar, lower control arms, sway bar, and torque arm. Ensure everything is tight and all bushings are good.

**pajeff02** · 04-16-2013, 05:53 PM

^^ This. Also, check out where the exhaust goes up over the rear axle. It is kind of tight there and if anything has worked itself loose that could also be the source of your clunk.

**Knight** · 04-16-2013, 07:07 PM

Good point, Jeff. I always forget that.

**pajeff02** · 04-17-2013, 03:35 AM

Zach and I spent a while getting everything to line up back there when I installed my catback. That's why I always remember the tight clearances in that area. Not much room to work with.

**johnfin** · 04-17-2013, 03:54 AM

Are there rear control arm bushings on these cars?

**Knight** · 04-17-2013, 05:48 AM

Lower control arm bushings, yes. The lower control arms run from the frame down to brackets on the rear, and have bushings at both ends.

**johnfin** · 04-17-2013, 06:26 AM

How do I check those and how hard are they to replace?

**pajeff02** · 04-17-2013, 08:29 AM

First thing to do is simply take a look at them -- if the rubber is all cracked, chunked out, or pushed out of the shell, then you know you have any issue. Some cracking and dryness is normal though with a car of this age. Next check for excessive play by grabbing onto the control arm and trying to move it up and down and then front and back. The inner steel sleeve should be tight in the bushing if it is ok without almost no movement at all.

**johnfin** · 04-21-2013, 04:06 PM

Turned out to be the control arms. Could not find the bumpers for the axle. Also are these rubber wraps on the coils factory? Can the control arm bushing be replaced or is it better to get new arms?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 04-21-2013, 04:34 PM

If it is on the coil itself no it is not factory. There should only be a rubber boot it sits in. Sounds like the heater hose mod was done to drop it a little bit. That or raise it up or possibly to quiet the springs other than that idk the reason.

**pajeff02** · 04-21-2013, 06:22 PM

A set of aftermarket LCA's and panhard bar from UMI are great upgrades.

**johnfin** · 04-22-2013, 05:41 AM

I bought a set of Chrome Moly BMR's this morning.

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So where exactly are the bumpers, I cant find them.

**pajeff02** · 04-22-2013, 05:52 PM

Bumpstops are attached to the "frame" on the outside of each spring -- you can see one in this pic. I actually remove mine for more clearance at the track when I bolt on the Bogarts and Hoosiers.

**johnfin** · 04-23-2013, 05:03 AM

How do those bumpers attach, I believe mine are missing. Also in the repair manual it states to change the control arm, jack the car up on the side and DO NOT use jack stands under the axle, use a floor jack under the axle. Like whats the difference? I would like to put the car up on rear ramps (no jacks or stands) when changing the arms, can I do that?

**pajeff02** · 04-23-2013, 08:01 AM

There is an aluminum mounting plate between the bumper and body and it is all held together by two 13 mm bolts. I believe you can purchase aftermarket bumpers that fit. The only caveat with installing the LCA's is to do one side at a time and be aware that once removed, the axle can swing free and the car can move. Be sure to block the front wheels or immobilze it in some fashion. I am not aware of any issues with respect to the use of jackstands under the rear axle.

**sjgreen6** · 04-23-2013, 01:46 PM

The reason for using a jack under the axle is so that you can make small adjustments as you curse at the car while trying to get the holes lined up to put the bolt through the control arm while putting it back on the car.