Purchased an 05 Z a little less than a year ago with 104k miles. Ever since then the car has been nothing but problems (mainly suspension related).

Currently, there are two very annoying sounds that I cannot seem to fix.

Sound #1: A loud "popping" noise occurs when turning left and is more pronounced when braking or driving over an uneven surface (bumpy road). I have tried temporarily removing the sway bar to eliminate any chance of the noise being related to the end-links. All ball joints are good and the lower control arm is brand new. I cannot visually find anything wrong. I'm pretty sure that the noise is coming from the strut mount, or more specifically the bearing within. Can anyone confirm this theory or offer their opinion. I would hate to purchase a new strut mount and tear everything apart in order to replace it just to find out that the sound is still occurring.


Sound #2: This sound just recently started occurring and it only happens while braking. It sounds like a ticking/tapping noise and is quite rapid. The sound does not always occur while braking and it seems to be coming from underneath the car directly underneath the passenger floorboard/door sill. Sounds like something is rattling back and forth against the floor pan. I noticed that one of the little plastic clips that secure the fuel lines was broken so I secure it thinking that may be the culprit but just got home tonight and the annoying tapping sound is still there.


These noises may not be a huge deal but honestly this car has given me hell since the day I got it and I'm going to be looking to get rid of the car very soon. I love the Z's and may buy another one in the future but I can't afford to continue dumping time and money into this car to simply maintain it for everyday driving. I would like to fix all known issues/noises with the car before attempting to sell it. Any help or ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

Sound #1 probably the rear suspension ball joint need to replace! Sound #2 probably one or more of those control arms rubber bushing need to be repair also!!! Those are easy fix, better than having electrical or engine problems!

 

Definitely not electrical or engine related so I am thankful for that! The first sound is originating from the front of the car though and only does it while turning which makes me believe that it is not related to the rear suspension. I'll check the rear anyways though just to be safe.

 

OP replace all the bushings on your car, it will get rid of the squeaks and will make your car feel like new, def an easy fix, look for a great polyurethane for a DD, solid for track car

 

Probably the front A-arm bushings or the lower control arms ball-joint check them both!!!

 

If the popping noise is from the rear of the car I would look into the possiblity of it being an axle. Ticking definitely sounds like it could be a bushing, if I was you I would just go ahead and replace all the bushings in the front suspension at least.

 

As previously mentioned, the sound is coming from the front left of the car so I've ruled out any possibility of it originating from the rear axle. It's more of a popping noise than a ticking sound as well.

In regard to replacing all the bushings, I really don't have the time, or patience, to replace every individual bushing on the car. If I planned on keeping the car for a while longer I would consider it but I would hate to spend the time and money replacing all of the bushings to possibly find out the noise is coming from the strut mount as I originally thought. I really need to get the car on a lift soon and look over everything again very thoroughly.

 

Sorry, didnt see that the popping was in the front. Yes, I would place a safe bet that it is the bushing/bearing in the strut mount

 

Is there any way I can check the strut mount/bearing and make sure it is bad before taking it all apart? I know that you can't physically access it but maybe there is a way to place pressure on it and turn the wheel to replicate the sound? If I could make the noise while standing outside the car I could get a much better idea of where it is coming from.

 

I suppose you could take off the wheel and try and turn the strut by hand. No guarantee you will be able to produce enough force to replicate the sound though.

 

Well I just went ahead and ordered a new strut mount. When it gets here I'll swap it out and see if the problem is resolved. If not then it was only $40. I'm pretty sure the mount is the problem though.