Orange Cruiser

I have a Cracking Noise emanating form the back driver side of a 2004 350Z. It is intermittently loud as I sometimes accelerate or make turns. Car has only about 60K miles. would it necessarily be the rear suspension struts and shocks need to be replaced? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks,
Orange Cruiser

jhc

Moved to correct sub.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

my guess would it be the known axle click issue

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

I think I know exactly what you're talking about. I had this issue on my Z and it turned out to be rear struts/shocks and how they mount to the chassis. The factory/OEM shocks have a piece of gasket material sandwiched between the upper shock mount and the chassis/body. But this gasket dries up, cracks, and disintegrates from age. I made/cut replacement gaskets out of a 1mm thick silicone sheet that I picked up from amazon. In hindsight, I should have used neoprene as it's a superior product for this application. While I was as it, I also replaced the rubber bushings for the upper shock, KYB sells affordable replacements. That solved the cracking/creaking noise issue for me.

In summary, the noise is created by body/chassis flex when the rear suspension is put to task (heavy cornering, uneven surfaces like driveway ramps, etc). With a failed gasket, there is metal on metal contact between the upper shock and body. The smallest amount of body flex will cause the shock to shift/move ever so slightly creating the scary cracking/creaking noises. Each rear shock's upper mount is only held on by two 12mm nuts if my memory serves.
Hope this helps!
-Icer

khnitz

+1 on the KYB upper shock bushing replacement and gasket replacement. Cured the rear-end noises on my Z, as well.

Cia.Z33

hey man do you have the link for those? I’m kinda new to all of this so I kinda need to make sure which are which. Thank you!

RENFRO

iTrader: (1)

Axle click tsb.

khnitz

I ordered mine from Amazon.