Cracking Noise emanating form the back driver side of a 2004 350Z
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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,
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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
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
Last edited by icer5160; 01-12-2022 at 06:51 PM.
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