subframe bushing nightmare

[d-in_valdosta]

so i have this sound whenever i change gears hard. its a big clunk like someone dropped a rim and tire on my trunk. i replaced the dog bones in the right and left and the sound is still there. so i thought it was the bushing b/t the rear end and the frame so i just replaced it, but no luck either. the sound is not as strong now but it is still there and very annoying. it sounds like my trany falls off during every gear. my step dad says it could be the rear bushings but i have no idea where they are or how much they cost. also have no idea what tools are needed. if anyone out here has any idea on what i can do. or if i'm completely off on the fixes please help me. thanks

[d-in_valdosta]

by the way this is a 1986 535i, manual with 256,XXX miles on it. it is cosmic blue, leather, moonroof 15inch wheels, some rust in the trunk (minor) the head reast don't work. sound system broke, some sun spots, did i leave anything out Rich?

[pdx 528e]

What condition is your diff mount in? I would suspect drivetrain components/mounting if the rear end suspension has been freshened up.

[Velocewest]

I think your stepdad was talking about the subframe mounts, which you will find right in front of the rear tires, at the outer ends of the rear subframe. It could also be the driveshaft center support, or a combination of that and a weak transmission mount allowing the driveshaft to make contact with the tunnel on hard shifts.

[Brian in TN]

Yo D! Nice meetin ya at the Atlanta Pick -n- Pull. I was the big bastich in the black shirt along with Layton and Rich
.
Yer problem sounds like any one or combo of the above mentioned along with...

driveshaft giblo
driveshaft center support
diff mount
sub bushings

Get under there and pry around. You will find it.

[MarkD in NJ]

My bet is you need to replace the rear suspension carrier bushings (subframe) and differential mount. Unless the diff mount is new, I'd replace it when you replace the carrier bushings.

[BayMW_John]

All the suggestions are correct, but my money is on the subframe bushings. Not an easy or cheap job...

[Lear Jet]

D,

I have a very similar problem on my 87' 535is. Mark D and I changed out the suspect diff mount only to find that the car still made that awful "oh sh*t" sound if shifted hard. We are planning on replacing the sub frame bushings as they seemed pretty worn.

I was reading in my Bentley manual that the center support on the drive shaft may also cause this.

Good luck.


[Edit by Lear Jet on [TIME]1110541213[/TIME]]