Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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Twystedhemp2
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Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Twystedhemp2 »

I've been hearing a clunk, tick, sound from the front passenger side. Not the cv, just went though that on the drivers side, this sound is different and happens mostly on take off. Checked the tie end rod,its intact, checked the spring for cracks, it seems fine. I looked around the forum for similar issues,best guess is a looses mounting bolt. Tightened the one on that side, the one you have to take out for belt replacement and one on the drivers side, but still see the engine move around when I shake the car back n forth. Where are the rest of the bolts I need to try? I can't find a diagram, not in the Chiltons, no luck online. And where are the subframe bolts? I read those can rust out. And the other idea was oiling the top of the spring assembly, what kind of oil and where do I apply it? Any advice is very appreciated.
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by 96 SSEi »

hi, with hood open so you can see the engine, start the car and closely inspect with a flashlight while a helper puts it in gear - you will see excessive movement. you look for movement of engine- a slight separation from the frame. look all around the engine, left and right - also check the trans mount that is near the rad on right.

do this and tell us your issue - look carefully at the mount you messed with - it may not be correct torque.
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Pair of SSEI »

Check stabilizer bar links. they can rust thru and can still look intact.
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Twystedhemp2
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Twystedhemp2 »

What is the correct torque for the mounting bolts? And you're saying there is a bolt under the right side of the radiator?

I will check the stabilizer links and bushings.

Thank you.
Twystedhemp2
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Twystedhemp2 »

Checked the links, no play, bushings are solid.

The engine is wiggling on the back side, drivers side. I looked straight down from the brake reservoir and see a bolt, but it seems small for a mounting bolt. I'll have to get it up and look from underneath, but how many bolts am I looking for?
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by MKMike »

Re the subframe: It's not usually a case of the nolts rusting out.
Typically it's the the subframe bushing holes which rust out--in some cases actually allowing the rear of the subframe to drop.

If the holes around the 4 rear bushings rust out, you need a subframe replacement or welded repair.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 36156.html

This shows the driver's side of the subframe
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by J Wikoff »

Find the dogbone shaped trans mount under the rear of the trans on the passenger side. I bet it's loose or broken.
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Twystedhemp2
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Twystedhemp2 »

Ok, I will check those subframe bushings and the mount. Thank you very much.
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Re: Clunking sound from front passenger side 1995

Post by Jdwcrw04 »

If it is a small popping sound perhaps it's the strut mount bearing. I am dealing with that right now on my 1994 SSE, 160,XXX miles.
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