2manycarz

Okay,guys. This is my first Firebird. It is an 87 2.8L 5 spd. Now it runs great (one or two minor little issues) But the problem I have is that,while it rides fairly smooth,when I go over (even TEENY) bumps in tha Road I hear all kinds of rattling and thumping going on under tha Car (epecially alot of thumping coming from the drivers side rear.) I already replaced the struts and Shocks (which where like tha original) The front end dude (who has ALWAYS done EXCELLENT work on my other rides) said that EVRYTHING else (other than the old struts and shocks) were alright and not even close to being worn out.It has a new rear end. Also I have noticed that when I am making a right hand turn (a REALLY sharp one to where I have to drop it to 1st gear) that I sometimes can feel some pop and it feels like it comes from the passenger side.It is a small pop and I never hear it only feel it. I was told by 4 peeps already tho that the rattling was just a Third Gen. Camaro/Firebird thing.....One of which is a MAJOR Firebird fan and races 2cnd and 3rd gen TAs.....So like I need advise!! Oh yeah and some dude (NOT a mechanic!!) told me that it may be the Sub frame needed to be welded.....I know NOTHING about that...But then again I do not think HE knows anything either anyways Help me out guys!!! thanx

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Jaimee
'87 Firebird Blue 2.8L 5 spd(My new Toy!:-)
'87 Chevy Burban Red and Tan 350 Auto w/ LOUD pipes 'n Wide tires(Destined to be a 5 spd one day)
'92 Chevy Beretta Bright Red 3.1L Auto

coach

I had a similar rattling problem when going over small bumps. It kind of sounded like if you had a bunch of coins in your hand and shook them. It turned out to be bad sway bar(stabilizer bar) end links. They have little rubber pieces that after time deteriorate and become brittle. Pieces had broken off. So, what I was hearing was the little metal washers that hold the rubber pieces in place.

If that is the problem, go and get some polyurethane end links(way better quality than the more affordable rubber ones).

brian89transam

I'm not sure about those thumping noises, but most of the rattles can be fixed with a pair of subframe connectors and maybe replacing the rubber bushings in your suspension with polyurethane ones(if the rubber ones are worn out) Third gen fbodys are famous for their week chassis, which flexes a ton when going over bumps, up driveways, etc. There are many brands of subframe connectors. I would hit the search link in this forum and type in subframe connectors. You should get plenty of info on them and where to order them from. Have a shop weld them in for you.