1996 SOHC help

[2003svtcobra]

Im new here and just recently bought a 96 neon to drive to work and back in the winter. It is a two door and was wondering if anyone could help me out with some problems. First the windows not sealing and the rear end sounding loose over bumps. Just wondering if this is a common problem or not? Thanks Chris

[71RoadRunner]

My drivers side window has started doing that, if I slightly move the crank it stops the wind noise. I have never had any leaks as far as water though and I wash it at the do it yourself type car washes a couple times a week. My Shelby Z has the loose sound going over bumps and on it, it's the floating calipers/brake pads.

[2003svtcobra]

My neon has drum brakes in the back. It sounds like a suspenion noise.

[71RoadRunner]

Sounds like it might be a bad shock.

[mrfnhappy]

neons have a bad habbit of breaking struts in the back

[Booda]

How many miles on it?</P>


Its probably aweak strutor more likely its the strut mount itself. Its the rubber bushing that goes between the strut and strut mount on the body.</P>


I have replaced a few on my cars.</P>


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Jeff<IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0"></P>


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[tavandy]

Make sure that everything (jack, tire, etc) is bolted down well in the trunk first. </P>


Then jack up rear of car (use a 24" or so 2X4 on the rear cross member (uni-body part with 4 "tubes" connected to it). Put jack stands under 2X4. </P>


Suspension is now at full droop and can be played with till you find your culprit. Taking the tires off will help to access the top suspension components. Check for dry rotted rubber, loose hardware, etc. Get a friend to help if your at all uncertain.</P>


Neon friends in all areas can be found at:</P>


http://www.neons.org/forums/</P>


go to the bottom for regional info. </P>


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[Booda]

In the FSM or maybe the Haynes manual, could be both, there are instructions on how to adjust the window to seal better/properly.


jeff

[canadain neon1]

yo i just had the same problem with my 96 the strut tower mount came apart and the strut bar came thro the top of the tower. I found out it was the strut mount. Had to replace the tower mount (about $40-$50)

[Barneydriver]

I had both those problems on mine- the window is just because when you shut the door it gets bound on the outside of the seal- just crack it and put it back up and it should be fine (assuming that's your problem, of course). Kind of an annoyance, but after awhile it just becomes habit when you get in the car.
As for the sound, I noticed the same thing, and when I replaced the springs and struts I found a bad part on the offending side- it's been awhile so I can't remember the name (I'm sure one of these guys knows), but it's a rubber isolator that sits between the spring and the strut plate- mine was worn through, and when I'd hit a bump the spring would push through the rubber and strike the strut plate (metal on metal), making a 'clanking' sound. Check it out- if that's not your problem I'd agree that it's probably a bad bushing.