Front End CLUNK and resolution.

[BigRAWesty]

Well for the last year I’ve had a clunk coming from the front end of the GQ and I have got under there a couple of times but have not been able to pick the issue.
The clunk only happened when the left wheel compressed. So I checked radius arms, springs, shocks, sway bar, the lot. Nothing.
Well in the last few weeks it has been really bad and with the old man down I jumped underneath and got him to jump on the bull bar while I inspect it.
I’m the first jump I picked the issue. The bolt holding the rear radius bush on the diff was slopping up and down. And about 2 mm's as well. Bummer.
So I assume the worst, its flogged the mounting plate out.
So today I start to pull the bolt out, it was loose as, so a ratchet and shifter was all I needed.
Well there is a little wear in the diff mounting plate, but most of it was in the thread which had completely rounded off. TFFT is all I could say.
I popped down to Blackwoods, grabbed a new M16x1.5 pitch (metric fine) by 80mm long in 8.8 grade and I was on my way home for $3...
Now before I bolted it back up I checked how bad the hole was.. It was 16.5x17mm.. .5mm elongated so in my eyes pretty good. If it happens again I’ll be welding some washers to the plate either side to get a nice snug fitting hole again..

So it’s all back together again and no clunk.. I also went of the other bolts in the front end and all were tight. So wether this one was missed after the lift install and castor correction bushes fitted I’m not sure.. I will be rechecking in a couple of week’s time..

So if you have any sort of clunking noise check it out.. It could have been a lot worse for me...

[Bloodyaussie]

I get a wierd knocking that feels like its hitting my feet but it only seems to happen when its wet?????????????????

Rather strange, keep forgetting when mates are around to do the same and jump on the bullbar while I have a sticky underneath...

Feels good when you sort a niggly annoying problem like that.

[BigRAWesty]

Sure does.. It's been eating me for a long time..

Yours is different. I felt mine below my feet, but only when the suspension was working..
Has your inner guard gone MIA??


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[NissanGQ4.2]

Thanks Kallen, will be checking mine 2morrow as mine does the same 90% of the time is going around left hand bends and I get the same feeling under the foot. I just put it down to worn bushes which I have been 2 lazy 2 replace

[threedogs]

on my other 4x in the wet the clunk is from slop is any of the bushes thats my 2c worth

[Bloodyaussie]

I have to nip up my wheel bearings before the trip to Toolangi so will have a good look when I do that, it is one of those frustrating things I only seem to think about when I am up the bush and say to myself I must check that out but always bloody forget???

[NissanGQ4.2]

If one of the bolts holding the radius bush on the diff can be turned by hand is that a bad sign?????? ops

Yep I'd say I have some elongated holes 2

[BigRAWesty]

If one of the bolts holding the radius bush on the diff can be turned by hand is that a bad sign?????? ops

Yep I'd say I have some elongated holes 2

Bummer.. Well I was surprised mine were ok so you might be lucky.. But anything more than 1mm I would be finding some 16mm washers (not m16 washers as they are 18mm hole) and weld them on..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[mudski]

Funny you say this, my troll gets a clunk right under my feet when only when going over the smaller speed bumps. The larger, rounded ones it doesn't do it.

[BigRAWesty]

Funny you say this, my troll gets a clunk right under my feet when only when going over the smaller speed bumps. The larger, rounded ones it doesn't do it.

Check it.. You might get it before it gets to bad..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[mudski]

I think I'll check tomorrow. Do I need to jack the diff up? Or can the bolt be taken out with the car just sitting there? I don't want to remove the bolt and BOING!

[NissanGQ4.2]

I think I'll check tomorrow. Do I need to jack the diff up? Or can the bolt be taken out with the car just sitting there? I don't want to remove the bolt and BOING!

I'm not sure on the GU's but the GQ's have two bolts, so taking one bolt out should be fine, I'm pretty sure you could drop the whole arm on one-side while stationary with out any drama's. but don't quote me on it, what till some one with more brain cells comes along.

Cheers

Toddie

[BigRAWesty]

Q's and U's I'm 99% sure are the same..
I used a jack under the yolk of the diff just to take the weight off the middle bolt..
But it won't move if your just removing the one.
Be sure to chock all wheels though..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Rustyboner81]

Good call. I gonna check all mine too

Sent from my GT-I9100T using Tapatalk 2

[BigRAWesty]

Well bad news.. It's returned.. Very slight when going threw drains and speed bumps.. Will jump under it and check tension again and let you know..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[NissanGQ4.2]

Well bad news.. It's returned.. Very slight when going threw drains and speed bumps.. Will jump under it and check tension again and let you know..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

So what do you think the alternative is??? weld some washers on or replace the whole bracket

Mine's been clunking for a while now so I dare say the holes are pretty stuffed :(

[BigRAWesty]

Replacing the bracket is a no go as its welded to the diff.. So yes washers..
I might even weld the nut ont to the washers to totally eliminate any chance of slop again, but I risk shearing the bolt them..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[NissanGQ4.2]

Well I got off my lazy but 2day and replaced all 4 bolts on mine, still no luck.

Was in a rush 2 get out and couldn't find my tape measure, wasn't sure if your 80mm was the original bolt length or to allow for washers was hoping it was allowing for washers....Soon figured out your measurement was the original length :( nuts just fitted with washers

If anyone if replacing there original bolts and putting on high tensile washers either side go M16 x 90 metric fine.

Might have 2 bite the bullet and buy myself a cheapish stick welder and tack weld the washers in place to see it that helps

Did you take any pics of yours bolts / holes Kallen? was thinking about putting up a DIY thread later on

Cheers

Toddie

[BigRAWesty]

Yea sorry. 80 was stock. As the hole was only .5mm elongated I didn't bother with washers.
I'll re torque them as they do stretch a little to start with and see how they go before I go welding..
If you haven't fitted the 80's the local ship should switch them fir 90's,.

[Robo]

You will need to weld the washers in place to insure no movement.
otherwise the washer could still slip around, add water/grease/oil = disaster.
93 GQ Maverick specs,
16 mm bolt and its done up tight.
N-m 157-216.
Kg-m 16-22.
Ft-lb 116-159.
final tightening is being preformed , in unladen condition with wheels on the ground.
Just looked at front of manual for bolt specs and It doesn't go above M14 bolt.
Checked bolts on my Mav they are 7 T, confirm think your safe with 8.8T bolts.
Cheers

[BigRAWesty]

Well I have re-torqued the bolts and all seems well.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[BigRAWesty]

Well I got off my lazy but 2day and replaced all 4 bolts on mine, still no luck.

Was in a rush 2 get out and couldn't find my tape measure, wasn't sure if your 80mm was the original bolt length or to allow for washers was hoping it was allowing for washers....Soon figured out your measurement was the original length :( nuts just fitted with washers

If anyone if replacing there original bolts and putting on high tensile washers either side go M16 x 90 metric fine.

Might have 2 bite the bullet and buy myself a cheapish stick welder and tack weld the washers in place to see it that helps

Did you take any pics of yours bolts / holes Kallen? was thinking about putting up a DIY thread later on

Cheers

Toddie

How r u going with yours toddie??
Mine seems to be holding up well after the retorque

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[NissanGQ4.2]

How r u going with yours toddie??
Mine seems to be holding up well after the retorque

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

Still clunking mate, not sure if its as bad as it was before I done it, but I still have to get under and re-torque mine.

I have clunks coming from the coils as well so it hard to tell what is clunking where sometimes :(:(:(

Am going to speak to a mate that works for ARB to see if the holes can be re-sleeved or not rather than welding washers on.

[BigRAWesty]

Don't think re-sleve will work as its only 3mm thick.. a bit thin when its a flex joint.

Let me know how you get on. If no luck I can make some special washers to weld on which will be a snug fit, and fix one of your issues.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)