Soft subframe and diff bushings: clunks and wheel hop
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What causes "Soft subframe and diff bushings: clunks and wheel hop" on the Nissan 240SX (S14, 1995-1998), and how is it fixed?
Compliant rubber subframe bushings, plus the S14's rubber-mounted diff housing (front and rear), which GK Tech says can produce wheel hop. Fix: Fit polyurethane or solid subframe and diff bushings.
Symptoms
Rear clunks and wheel hop under hard acceleration.
Cause
Compliant rubber subframe bushings, plus the S14's rubber-mounted diff housing (front and rear), which GK Tech says can produce wheel hop.
Fix (summary)
Fit polyurethane or solid subframe and diff bushings.
Related parts
Related build entries
Other S14 problems
- Recall: brake warning lamp may not light when fluid is low (1995)
- KA24DE timing chain rattle from worn upper chain guide
- Rust: frame rails, strut towers, spare well and wheel arches
- Not every S14 is 5-lug: the Base is 4x114.3
- No NHTSA recalls returned for 1996-1998
- Power window regulators wear out
More for this car
- All Nissan 240SX (S14, 1995-1998) fitment answers · S14 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- S-Chassis rear subframe comparison — GK Tech (suspension parts maker; Dec 11, 2022) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)S14 diff bushings are soft and can produce wheel hop.
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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