Servicing Concerns (not Asking Where I Should Service It)

[kikutaknight]

I have recently purchased a R33 GTST and am really enjoying driving it around. However, I'm hearing what sounds like bearing noises in my right front wheel. It seems to lesson when i turn right, and only starts after i've been going at a certain speed or after i've turned. RAC pointed out that the wheel was making this sound when they inspected it, the shop i bought it from said they lubricated the bearings and it should be right.

I'm not too savvy when it comes to car mechanics, but since buying this car I'm hoping to learn more. I've been reading the forums and looking at some of the DIY posts. I'm going to blurt out my story in point form and hope that I can get some useful feedback.

- I wanted to get it serviced somewhere they know what they are doing

- I have a warranty where I can only take my car to specific garages

- Took it to Xspeed to ask about their prices and servicing

- Guy came out to have a look at my engine and pointed out a few things

- Mentioned that the noise i'm hearing might be bearings or could be drive shaft

- Told me my engine was missing some "plugs" ..which i will expand on in case someone can help me.

- Called the garage my warranty covers and asked them if they have experience with imported turbo skylines

- Dude said "nooo...take it to high perf shop"

- Warranty won't cover me there

- Called shop I bought car from about it they said, it's not that complicated a car. bring it back so we can see if there's something not there that should be there.

The "Plugs"

I've attached images 1, 2, 3 in a zooming arrangement to give you a detailed view without (hopefully) disorienting you.

All I can remember about what the guy at xspeed told me is that there should be plugs in these holes. There's two on each side of the engine. These plugs expand or something? And they stop something else from warping. After a while these plugs fall out and need replacing. But if they aren't replaced, more inner plugs fall out, thing warps more, and eventually something will break off into the turbo and kill it.

To fix it, what they need to do and flatten out wateva it is that warps and make sure it's nice and flush and then put some more of these 'plugs' in. He quoted around $1500 to have it fixed.

I'm sorry I can't remember what they were called and my description is pretty bad. But if you have any idea from my description and from my pictures, could you fill me in on what these things are called exactly and how concerned I should be about it.

[R DIRTY 3]

Noise could possibly be driveshaft in the front.....of a GTST?

If whenyou turn the noise is not as bad, id say wheel bearings.

WHeel bearings can 'bruise' in an impact with a kerb etc and make some noises.

[syfon]

My car is missing a "plug" or "plugs" from the whole u circled out in the photo and all seems to be normal?

Mine you, my car does have an after market exh w/dump pipe....not sure if that makes a difference but still lol

Something about a plug expanding and retracting and if you dont replace them more plugs fall out and then kill your turbo? I think this guy is pi**ing in your pocket, although im still going to check my car when i get home tonight and research that one for ya!

[kikutaknight]

My car is missing a "plug" or "plugs" from the whole u circled out in the photo and all seems to be normal?

Mine you, my car does have an after market exh w/dump pipe....not sure if that makes a difference but still lol

Something about a plug expanding and retracting and if you dont replace them more plugs fall out and then kill your turbo? I think this guy is pi**ing in your pocket, although im still going to check my car when i get home tonight and research that one for ya!

thanks, syfon. 

yeh, i've got a BOV (don't know if that's stock) and an exhaust mod. There have been other mods previously installed that have been removed as well.

[ix9]

thanks, syfon.

yeh, i've got a BOV (don't know if that's stock)

You have a stock BOV.

The holes are missing studs - easy fixed.

Stress less sir

[Neil Bakker]

Hey man

the plugs you rever to is the exhaust manifold studs, it is a common thing that they snap of and needs to be replaced. if it is not replaced the exhaust gasses might start leaking from there which if it leaks excessive could cause your turbo to loose boost. it is a fairly big job to remove and replace the broken exhaust manifold studs as you need to remove the turbo, dump pipe, water lines, oil feed and return lines. drill and remove broken piece from cyl head and fit all new studs and gasgets. you can use a straight edge to see if manifold is warped, if it is straight no need to skim. probably a days job if all goes well.

hope this helps

[SeanO]

Above post is Right

Exhaust Manifold Studs are snapped i had xspeed repair mine (my studs were snapped off and stuck inside the head) required drilling out and rethreading.

i had four snapped ones but replace all of them if u decide to repair one. the exhaust manifold warps with the heat and requires machining to remove the excess warp/bowing that occurs after some time. seeing as one is snapped I'd presume that the noise could be an exhaust leak (mine sounded like a motorcycle/tractor) until it was of course repaired

havent had a problem since

Goodluck

[BANGN]

gtst dont have driveshafts in the front for starters, its most likely going to be a wheel brg

majority of the time warrantees are not worth the paper they are printed on, take the car to hyperdrive to get a full look over, you can then use the information collected against the guy at the car yard.

how many kms has the car done? Make sure the waterpump has been replaced, no point in asking, the waterpump should be shiny still.. when was timing belt done and the biggest thing about skylines because of the km's is none of the cooling hoses have been replaced, unless you want to be stuck on the side of the road get that sorted because the little heater hoses do pop.

also check out your rubber fuel lines at the front of the car and to the tank and also your power steering and hicus lines

[kikutaknight]

thanks for answering my question, guys. xspeed seem a little bit expensive (probably coz they label themselves #1 peformance shop in WA), so i'm going to check out Cypher Industries and In Tune Performance. Get those studs replaced.

i'm thinking that sound if bearings, coz when i turn the sound changes. turn to the right the sound lessens or stops...when i'm going straight the sound is fairly stable, if i turn to the left a little it gets a little louder and i feel very slight vibrations. seems to be coming from the front right. so i'll get some quotes and get that done too.

[Neil Bakker]

Hey man

try full throttle performance, the guys name is Ray 0418917585.

[Pal]

cypher and in tune are great places. lets not start another which is the best workshop thread.