Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Tension Rod Bushing Failure (S13)

Symptoms

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

Cause

The S13 uses tension rods (also called compression rods or radius arms) to locate the front lower control arms longitudinally. The rubber bushings at the chassis end of these rods are a known weak point, they soften and tear with age, allowing the control arm to move fore and aft.

Fix

Replace the tension rod bushings.

Polyurethane bushings are far more durable than the original rubber: $80-150 for a pair.

For drift and track use, solid tension rod bushings are available but transmit more NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

Cost mentioned in fix

$80-150 for a

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

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear

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

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