Like my intro thread says: I have lurked around here for quite some time, but just registered. I have read about the "clicking axle issues" all over the web. But I am at a loss on if this is what I am experiencing or if it is something I am simply overlooking.


So on to the issue itself:

When I had just lowering springs and stock wheels, I had no problems. I installed fortune 500 coilovers and varrstoen wheels at the same time and that is when the problem popped up.


I lowered it pretty damn low and instantly heard a very loud clicking under heavy acceleration and when turning to the right(only right. no sound when turning left). It is a very noticeable clicking sound that is proportional to vehicle speed.
So at slow speeds = click______click______click....
and at fast speeds= click_click_click_click_click
****So I raised it up an inch to where it is in the pic and the sound is not as bad, but still very prominent.

I put the stock shocks/lowering springs, and wheels back on and the sound is still there hahaha.


So I looked around the web and lots-o-people were talking about possible axle issues. This was a common issue with my S2000 when I slammed it and had to get axle spacers becuase of the bucket separation.

Since the car has like 145xxx miles I figured maybe it was just time to get new axles.

So I bought 2 new axles, the metal axle seals, and new hub nuts and the sound persisted.

I then noticed that 1 of my wheel bearings seemed to be bad so i replaced both of them(got a good deal). Installed correctly and torqued to specs. The sound was still there.

So then I bought a used differential that was inspected by a Nissan tech and it checked out 100% fine. Installed and sound is still there.

I also bought new pads, shoes and rotors for the rear *** I noticed the pads were getting low and the rotor had small grooves in it. I have not installed the brake parts yet. Been too cold outside and I have no garage.






So anyways........

What do you guys think this sound could be as I replaced the diff, both axles, both wheel bearings?

Is it possible that the rear brakes are the problem? I have never had a car make this sound with low pads.




Sorry for the long post, but I like to give as much info as I can.




This issue has prevented me from driving the car for the last 2 months or so. I just do not want to damage anything by driving on it.

 

Interesting. When I first got my Z in October, I noticed the axles were clicking. I did some lurking on here and found that the axles just needed to be lubed. So I went to Nissan and had them lubed and they will never click again.

 

Yep. Tried that and lubed up the new ones when I installed them.

Planning on installing the brakes Tuesday and seeing if that fixes anything.

 

Hope it gets fixed. Good looking Z btw!

 

I would have guessed a wheel bearing or CV joint - sorry. Please be sure to post your solution, if/when it happens.

 

Did you try using other wheels or lower profile tires to see if it was an issue still? My buddy has some 19 inch axis wheels that run really wide and the tires rub somewhere in the fender well every now and then. But it sounds similar only on the left side under load or hitting a bump up in the road.

 

Thanks. i love it in sunlight. I just wish I could capture how it really looks.

No doubt. I will for sure.

I threw the stock wheels and tires on and the sound is still there. It is a pretty loud metal on metal clicking.

I am running a slightly smaller profile of 235/40 on the rear 18x10.5 +22 wheels and it appears nothing is making contact anywhere (IE- I do not see any rubber marks / scratched metal etc etc). But under load the wheels naturally camber in and I have not simulated this on jack stands yet.


So frustrating .

 

Changed out the rear rotors / pads. Triple checked all the suspension components and made sure everything was tight.

No change.

I swear it sounds like a jacked up axle. They are new so I have no idea. Guess I will just take them apart and see what the insides look like.

Bout to burn it down.

 

Debris caught near drive shaft?

Loose aluminum part in trunk?

Loose wheel well plastic trim?

Stereo system interference being caused by alternator (spins at engine speed)?

Have you tried coasting in neutral? Does it still make the noise?

 

1. Nope

2. I'll check, but I doubt it. As it is a clicking under load and turning only. A loose part would not make a very mechanical rhythmic click. But I will check anyways.

3. There is no wheel well plastic back there.

4. Definitely not. I have heard that in several other cars. This is not that. I can "feel" the clicking sound. Definitely physical contact of something.

5. No sounds in neutral. Only under acceleration load and when turning right under load(the sound is more pronounced when turning right under load. It does not make any click when turning left under load though.

 

It doesn't make any noise during coasting in any gear OR neutral?

I define coasting as going a constant speed.

So if you're accelerating from a stoplight and you hit 40 MPH and keep it there, it makes noise still? or stops as soon as you finish accelerating?

 

Just take it to Nissan and have it diagnosed.

 

If it is in gear and under load, it makes the sound. The only time it does not is when I pop it in neutral or push the clutch in.

Update kind of...........Double checked the axles. Replaced them with new ones again.

Going to take it to a shop and see if they can figure it out. I just really didn't want to pay a couple hundred bucks just for them to say we don't know either hahaha.

 

rear dust cover...u tweaked it when doing installs...

take off wheels, get a flash light and inspect for rub marks, etc..move slow...inch per second or slower....look for grease smudged, wear marks, anything to indicate contact...look everywhere..

-J

 

Its a part that rotates that much we know. Double check ANY part that spins. (I) would raise the rear ( SUPER SAFE!) and have someone lightly put the car in 1rst and make the wheels spin. Meanwhile you (carefully) stick your head under the rear ( dont breathe) and you more or less pin point the clicking.

 

What dust cover are you referring to? I think I am thinking of something else lol.

The problem is it only really does it when turning under load. When weight is shifted to the driver rear and accelerating slightly (or alot). I can not simulate that weight shift on jack stands..

But I will give it a shot this weekend before I take it to the shop for an attempt for them to diagnose it.

 

sorry ,the rear dust shield..


-J

 

K. That's actually what I thought you meant, but I am like 99% sure I didn't even touch that during the install of the coilovers, but I will definitely take a look tomorrow if it is not raining.

 

Checked this and negative. Nothing is bent nor touching anything. Checked sway bar end links, subframe bushings, differential bushings. driveshaft etc.

Nothing seems to be out of place or jacked up.


So I am done. Throwing in the towel and just going to give it to someone and pony up the money. Hopefully this shop can at least diagnose the issue.

I'll update when I finally get something worth posting. No idea when I am going to do this though.

I recently bought my red S14 back and most of my money is going into that now lol.

 

I had phantom squeaks in the Z as well. I too did not find any rubbing. So I got a can of lithium spray grease and went to town. All the bushings, bolts, nuts, rubber components, joints etc. 3 hours later and no squeaks.