March 24, 200422 yr Hi All! I have a 85 L Series Wagon that has a 2Litre engine fitted, big exhaust, plus a lift kit (only just bought the car). I have noticed that when I change gear, there is a noticeable clunk that comes through the steering column. I have the feeling that may some of the rubber mounts underneath may be due for replacing. The engine has done 30,000kms, while the car itself has done 370,000kms. Any ideas what the clunking might be? The car changes gear fine, and drives fairly smoothly for a car that has done 370,000 kms. Any help would be kindly appreciated! Seeya Rod!
March 24, 200422 yr There's almost no telling what it could be - with the modifications you listed, no one here will be able to accurately tell you anything about your vehicle. I would classify your car as "heavily modified" being that it is lifted, with a completely different engine than stock. Find the person who built it, and ask them.... GD
March 25, 200422 yr Author Hi All! Thanks for the response. I had a look this morning at the mounts, and the engine seems to wobble around a bit more that what you would expect. The engine itself is a RA82, and the mounts don't look like they have been modified. I also noticed that one of the brackets holding the exhaust has broken off, which also may be contributing to noise underneath. The only details I could give you are that it is a 85 L Series Wagon, that has had a lift kit put on it, the engine is a RA82 that runs quite smoothly. It goes into push button 4wd mode easily and locks when on dry pavement. The exhaust has been modified with a 2" system and a silly little hot dog muffler (which will be changed!). The spare tyre has been put on the back with a swing mount. The engine looks and sounds unmodified, and has all the original Subaru parts hanging off it. Suprisingly, there is very little rust! I have booked it in for a service at the mechanic across the road! Seeya Rod!
March 25, 200422 yr Perhaps you mean EA82, which is alot more likely, and it's only 1.8l a 2.0l subaru motor would be an EJ20. The ea82 engine most likely came stock in your vehicle. I would think that bad motor/tranny mounts would be the reason for the clunk, but I would think the affects of it would be felt in the shifter more than the steering, perhaps something else is wrong, like your lift blocks are flexing or something? What about the engine pitch rod, it is a locating rod that bolts between the firewall and top of the motor. If that is missing or the bushings are gone that might be the culprit.
March 25, 200422 yr Author My mistake! It is an EA82, which means either the engine has been bored oversize, or the guy gave me a bum steer in saying it was a 2L engine. In any case, it does mean that the mounts have not been changed to suit a different engine than standard. On inspection of that rod between the engine and firewall, the bushes do look a bit ratty and suspect. Might be a good time to replace those bushes, plus the engine and tranny mounts. At least that will eliminate those three areas as a source of the problem. Thanks for everyone's help so far! Seeya Rod!
March 30, 200422 yr Author Got the soob back from service......the steering rack was slowly being eaten away by salt and sand, so it got replaced. The nut on the rh front hub hadn't been put back on properly from the last owner, so it has started to strip the washer (replaced). Had a wheel alignment and now the knock in the steerng column is gone. Still a little vibration when braking, but a much improved ride! Seeya Rod!
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