How do you diagnose bad endlinks or struts?

[43975]

I'm just trying to get to the bottom of the damn clunk/rattle in my rear. Clunk fix didn't do it so it must be something else. How can you diagnose bad endlinks, struts. ect.
Where could his clunk be coming from? I don't want to just start tossing parts at it to see if that's the issue.

 

[43975]

Just an update.
I lifted the rear of the car and started pulling up on the drivers side rear wheel to see if I could make the clunk happen and find it. It sounds like it's coming from the shock/ strut area. I even pulled off the rear deck to get a better sound at the upper mounting point of the strut. The bold looks a bit rusted. so I would have to assume that the outer area has to have rust as well. I wonder if it's just the damn mounting braket??
Is this an easy fix??

 

[left_toe_low]

Same Problem

Hey,

I've got the EXACT same problem. I just had mine jacked up and found a tiny amount of play as I pull up on the wheel. I hear the clunk (much quieter since I'm not putting much force on it) and the wheel moves up a very slight amount.

Now I don't know if it's the strut or the mount. Mounts are cheap, but require quite a bit of work. I'm thinking I should probably just replace both struts and mounts, but the factory ones are really expensive:
strut $350/ea
strut mount $50/ea
labour $160/per side

Does anybody know of a compatible strut I can get for a more reasonable price?

LTL

 

[Stormtrooper77]

You might as well change your endlinks too. You don't want to get your mounts fixed up only to have another clunk. Plus, they're not that expensive.

 

[JReichle1]

I just recently installed tein super street coil overs on my 99 pro, and I get a dull clunk from the right rear strut when I bounce test the rear suspension. I don't really hear it while I am driving, but when it is parked and I press down on the quarter panel is makes the noise. I read on protege FAQ that the strut mounts are too soft, and to upgrade to the protege 5 strut mounts. Then someone with a protege 5 said he was having the same issue. I am thinking it might be the endlinks or sway bar bushings. Anyway good luck. I hope this helps you a little bit.

 

[43975]

I'm considering just making the DIY end links as a cheap way of eliminating the end link as the cause. I read somewhere that (I think AWR) had an upgraded strut mount that would help resolve this issue. I'll have to dive deeper into that

 

[HKPRO5]

I made a DIY endlink thread in the how to section. Im still wondering about the awr upgraded strut mount though.

 

[43975]

anyone have a link to those AWR strut mounts, I can't find them anywhere.

 

[gSTP]

Just changed rear sway bar bushings. Still getting a clunk from the rear end.

Removed the racing beat rear sway bar including end links.

Got the car off of the jacks stands and no more clunk.

The end links are shot. Passenger side end link on the side connected to strut is very stiff.

My car is driving much better with without the racing beat sway bar. Should I leave it off and drive it? Get new endlinks and re-install? Advise please.

gSTP

 

[43975]

I didn't think the car could be driven without the sway bay?? If this is an option I would be willing to disconnect it for a quick trip around the block to see if that's the problem.
gSTP: your currently driving the car without the endlinks or rear sway in place??

 

[gSTP]

I didn't think the car could be driven without the sway bay?? If this is an option I would be willing to disconnect it for a quick trip around the block to see if that's the problem.
gSTP: your currently driving the car without the endlinks or rear sway in place??

Yeah that is correct. Currently driving with no racing beat rear sway bar. Considering leaving it off because I'm sick of changing bushings and now endlinks.

The sway bar is designed to improve handling by reducing body roll in corners. My front sway bar is probably under more stress in turns with the rear removed. But no more clunk for the moment. I'll just drive easy until I can get the rear endlinks replaced.

*gSTP*

 

[43975]

cool I'll just pop them off and see what happens,

 

[slo03.5msp]

I wouldn't you need new rear strut mounts so do i for that matter

 

[43975]

Bill!!!
Where have you been brother I was actually going to text you last week, to see how you've been.

I've actually been researching that. I didn't realize that the stock Protege strut mounts were rubber. AWR sells an all metal replacement

 

[Dimitrios]

Strut mounts are a sandwiched/2-ply metal/rubber product. The rubber provides some compliance while the metal keeps it firm.

Any all metal mount will certainly be firmer (harsher?) on the street. I know that AWR doesn't necessarly recommend the pillow-mounts for the street.

I'm about to put an order in to McMaster this afternoon as I feel my endlinks are bad as well (also need to replace my struts - I think because the ride quality has gotten harsh).

 

[43975]

I'm Totally Ok with a "harsh" stiff ride. I've been driving Suzuki Samuria's since 1997 I don't think anything can be as harsh as that. Short leaf springs on a short wheel base feels like you riding in a covered wagon.
Plus a harsh stiff ride on an MSP Just adds to the "racing" car feel I'm after!!!
As long as this b**** corners the way it should I'm down with stiff.

 

[bamflee84]

zuku26 do you have the axr clunkfix brackets, if so how long have you had them? I ask cause they use 19mm energy suspension bushings, they rub out if not lube constantly cause the msp bar is 20mm . Very minor but it will cause the clunk noise. I had this problem in the past and tried everything. I had the awr endlinks at one time and it was loose enough to cause a clunking noise and it only needed to be tighten. gstp was lucky for that was his problem accept his endlink was busted and not loose.

If you haven't pulled your bushings out and replaced them. i would start there first before getting the strut mount. I thought that at one time and they were really tight and not loose. I just replaced my bushings yesterday and it got rid of my clunk again. Amazon Energy Suspension 9.5156R for $16.40. It will be your cheapest route to fixing your clunk. If that's not it, then probably be your endlinks.

Good luck

 

[43975]

I have the AXR clunk fix brackets. and it came with a newer set of bushings which I lubbed the hell out of when I installed them. I haven't had a chance to remove the sway and endlinks to see if they are the issue of not.