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Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension and Steering

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear

Symptoms

Clunking over bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear on the inner edges of the front tyres.

Cause

The rubber bushings in the front lower control arms perish with age. The Silvia's suspension uses a multi-link front design with multiple bushings per arm, all of which deteriorate over 25-35 years.

Fix

Replace the control arm bushings.

Polyurethane bushings are available from Whiteline, SuperPro, and Nismo: $200-400 for a front set.

Complete control arms with pre-pressed bushings are also available.

The job takes 3-4 hours per side.

Cost mentioned in fix
$200-400 for a

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// More Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Tension Rod Bushing Failure (S13)

A feeling that the front wheels are "walking" over bumps. Clunking from the front suspension. The car pulls to one side under braking.
Common Suspension and Steering

Rear Subframe Bushing Wear

Clunking from the rear over bumps. Vague rear-end feel. The rear end feels "loose" or unstable, particularly during transitions (changing direction).
Critical Engine

Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear (SR20DET/SR20DE)

Rattling or clattering from the front of the engine, most pronounced on cold start. The noise may diminish when warm but persist at idle. In severe cases, the engine loses power, runs rough, or misfires.
Common Engine

Turbo Oil Seal Failure (SR20DET)

Blue smoke from the exhaust, particularly on boost or on deceleration (overrun). Oil consumption increases. Oil residue visible in the intercooler piping.
Common Engine

Boost Leaks

Sluggish boost response, reduced power, the car feels slow despite the turbo appearing to spool.
Common Engine

Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) Failure

Erratic idle speed, the RPM hunts up and down between 500 and 1,500 rpm. The engine may stall at traffic lights or when coming to a stop.
View all 17 Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems