Body Flex - Rear Strut Needed?

[BstewyR33]

I'm fairly sure that I'm in need of a rear strut bar to stop some back end body flex. The problem occurs going up corners (say drive ways, entrances to shops etc) the noise mainly comes from rear passenger side.

The noise sounds like metal twisting followed by a "ping" sound. I've had a look at suspension and it seems fine (no cracks or dings that I can see in the strut, no loose nuts)

I stuck my head under the car and there was no clear evidence of something being broken or loose.

so I'm thinking a rear strut brace might be in order, am I thinking right or not?

Cheers in advance for any input.

[89CAL]

I think you either have a suspension issue, or a really serious issue that a strut brace isnt going to fix

I dont have a rear strut brace and even when I have one of the rear wheels off the ground I dont hear any flexing noises, back end feels rigid and nice. It's long been debated that the rear strut brace is fairly useless because there is support behind the seat and under the parcel shelf so there is no gap in between the 2 sides of the car like there is at the front. The front strut braces do make a difference. Rear I can't say they dont because I dont have one, but plenty of others will tell you this

have you got a worn bush or some other issue in the back? Maybe pull all your carpet out and have a look around in the boot if you think there is really some flex there

[BstewyR33]

ah cheers, worn bushes could be a possability. Need to get onto replacing all those...

[colourclassic]

The rear strut brace attaches to the strut towers via 2x feeble stamped steel brackets. The amount of flex in the rear strut brace mounting brackets would exceed the amount of flex the rear strut towers ever see during use, making it only marginally effective. I would check subframe mounting hardware/bushes are all tight/in good condition. Also check strut top mounts, HICAS tie rod ends and mounting points etc.

[Dan_J]

i used to get a continuous creaking/clicking while transitioning, rear strut brace fixed that

[BLITZ-26]

Sounds like the spring moving under weight shift common with low springs or chopped ones if its got coilovers check to see the spring is still seated properly and hasnt made its way down or lossened off

[gtr jet]

I'm with Blitz on this one. If you've got coilovers it could be your spring moving. Used to happen with a lot of mates cars.

[BstewyR33]

Thanks for the replies lads, give me some points of looking into.

I do have some bc br coilovers on my taxi, hopefully not too much damage is done

[MrStabby]

Rear suspension arms on skylines are mounted to a rigid subframe and resist all the lateral force. Strut braces mount to the body of the car, not the subframe, and therefore do bugger all. Front is different as the upper arm mounts onto the body.

Ask for a recommended suspension shop in your state subforum and let them check it out.

[LANDSCRIBBLE]

I also have BC BR coilovers, and i think i have the exact same noise coming from the rear somewhere. Infact its been like that for about 1.5 years. Will check my coilovers too, obviously there should be zero play or movement in the springs?

[Dan_J]

^ double check the top hat nuts, with out lock tight they tend to slowly come loose

[LANDSCRIBBLE]

It turns out my HICAS tie rod ends are completely f*cked. and probably a stupid question but are the rods meant to be bent like a dog leg towards the ends?

[GTSBoy]

No, they're not. Someone has done something interesting to it.

[LANDSCRIBBLE]

Haha wow ive done a good job on them then. Will have to get some pics. I think these are what i need to get? http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=180829991026 and http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=120953333963

[BstewyR33]

Tie rod ends hey?

Thanks for the info lads, will be booking into a shop ASAP

[89CAL]

I get an odd loud click kinda noise from the back only when its wet. Its more of a loud click then a bang but it could probably be described as either

Thought it was my diff mounts which are all new polyurethene bushes but thinking now maybe it might be the strut tops on my BC BR coilovers. Not sure why it only does it when its wet but

[BstewyR33]

My noise isn't constant, mainly either when reversing out of driveway rear passenger wheel is off the driveway first

It'll go turning right around a roundabout, then make the noise when exiting the roundabout

And also turning right up a hill - entrance to car park at train station of a morning