BMF350

Hey guys, for the last couple of months I've been feeling and and hearing a really hard and loud clunk noise from my rear driver side wheel. It happens whenever I drive over any bumps, potholes or even minor dips in the street. I took it over to a mechanic and after 2 minutes he said all my shocks/struts were bad and leaking and that was the end of his diagnosis.

I have come across a few post where members mentioned it could either be the struts or bushings that could be causing the noise so I'm not sure which route to go with. The clunk noise nearly feels like something is banging in the wheel well or in the trunk and you can almost feel it going up your spine when it hits.

Would you guys mind pointing me in the right direction? I just had a baby boy so I want to ask you experts before I dish out the money for the fix. I would appreciate any input and if you guys know of the parts/brand I would need that would be huge!

Thanks

getafewliv

Is everything stock?

How does the car drive/ride?

Could be a bad shock, or could be end link bushings on the rear sway bar, or a number of other bushings. But if your shock is leaking, that's probably the issue. Does the car ride rough or feel loose/unstable over bumps?

Could be time to upgrade to coilovers. If you're on a budget, the Megan EZ street set is a great option.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Check your rear sway bar end links plus all other bushings while down there.

How did the shop know that your shocks were leaking? Did they put it up on a rack and inspect them?

BMF350

The car is all stock for the most part. Stock wheels, suspension, etc. It has about 85k miles on it for a 2008.

The car does feel rough especially when I compare it to my friends 2006 IS350 who lowered the front several years back. I could usually hear/feel every road reflector while driving among other things on the street. Its just not a smooth or "cushiony" ride I guess, like from I think I remember it being. Especially for a bone stock car.

I'm no expert but the mechanic did lift the car up to check it out and he pointed over at the shocks as "leaking" and that they may be completely out in the rear driver side. But then again he gave me that educated guess when I first explained what the problem or sound was when I first walked in, so I was a bit skeptical.

BMF350

I can't say the car feels loose or unstable over bumps. Besides the car dipping down into the bumps and the hard bang in the rear that almost sounds like the trunk it drives fine.

The best way to explain it I guess would be if someone hit the wheel well with a hammer every time.* Like a hard metal clunk!

Thanks for the help btw guys

BMF350

This is an image I pulled off google that shows the kind of build up the lower half of my struts had*

phis250

Im having a similar issue in my 11' is250 with only 46k miles.

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

If that's what they look like, the seals are blown.

skullkandy

get some coilovers and replace all of em

Tapangb

I agree with skullkandy. Great reason to get coilovers. I upgraded to the BC coilovers on my 350 and looking to do it on my F with the swift springs.

BMF350

Thanks guys. I wish I could go for the coilovers but with a baby on the way I'm trying to save as much as I can. I went ahead and found a pretty decent deal I thought through TireRack for KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for $360 w/ free shipping for all 4.

I read somewhere they are very similar to stock shocks and that was a hole lot better than the $1,300 I was quoted at pepboys to have Monroe shocks installed.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Yep, if they're looking like that pic, they're gone. You already went ahead and purchased all four, so good move.

Once installed come back and let us know how you like them.

getafewliv

If you plan to do the install yourself, you will need a spring compressor and I would highly recommend an impact gun (I have an electric one that works awesome!)

BMF350

Thanks guys! I will post a review on the outcome and a review on the KYB's for ya.

A buddy of mine is helping me out and he has a spring compressor lying around

BMF350

New shocks were the answer! The KYB's were a great choice in my opinion especially for the price. The IS drives better than ever.

Thanks everyone for the help!