Hi All,

 

My brakes make loud metallic clunking noises when applied at v.low speed when cold (particularly when reversing) - not noticed if this happens when warm. Is this normal Z behaviour with standard calipers/rotors?? I don't half get some funny looks in the morning...

 

TIA!

 

RobH

Hi Rob,

 

Two things to check...

 

Firstly the front tie bars may either be worn or loose. If they are worn then they will have a sticky silicon substance dripping from them. If not check the pivot bolts are tight - VERY tight The tie bars are the ones which go forwards from the bottom wishbone onto the brackets on the front cross brace(also hold the roll bar clamps)...

 

Secondly it could be the suspension top links. For this you need to jack each side up in turn and try to move the top of the wheel in and out.

 

My bet is the tie bar pivot bolts - from what you've described these are most likely...

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

 

Hmmm....

 

Thanks for that Andy, where will the tie bars be documented in the service manual (online) under brakes??

 

My car has made this noise for the last six months (as long as I've had it) and there seems to be no ill effects. It's been into a Nissan garage twice in that time too for other matters - surely they should have picked up on it? - especially if there was a fast buck in it for them...?

 

Cheers,

 

RobH

where are the pivot bolts?

replaced the tie bars(bushes) already and i still have the clunkin noise(when reversing)

jay

Rob, try this link http://www.300zx.co.uk/cgi-bin/manual.cgi?list=fa&dir=&config=&refresh=&slide=23&cycle=off&scale=0&design=default&total=25

 

If that doesn't work its page FA-23 (page 23 of Front axle and suspension).

 

The tie bar is the tension rod - the pivot bolt is pointed to by the lowest arrow on the diagram

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Jay - this is almost deffo the cause of your problem. If not then check the front suspension upper links like I described above. If the wheel moves on the vertical plane then check where the movement is coming from....

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

 

 

The link works, thanks Andy. Unfortunately I have no ramp/no proper jack so I'll have to take it in somewhere :-(

 

Next question: is it dangerous using it like this, will it cause wear in other components??

 

Presumably the bushes need to be replaced if this is the problem (?)

 

Cheers,

 

RobH

Rob, have you looked at the bushes on your car? They may have been replaced already but not tightened fully - if this is the case they just need tightening. If there is any silicon dripping from them, they need replacing - is there any steering wheel shake when braking??? If there is then the bushes are almost deffinitely shot...

 

I would seriously recommend spending the money on some axle stands and a trolley jack - this certainly won't be the last time you have to get under the car Use the money you would be paying the garage to get yourself some tools....

 

Where abouts are you I may be able to help

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Nother possibility is simply the pads moving in the front calipers. Mine does that - makes a slight clack noise as they change direction when you brake while reversing. It never did this when I had sticking pistons. Totally harmless! Ive done the tension rod bushes too.

Willie

makes a slight clack noise as they change direction when you brake while reversing.

 

I read somewhere that that noise is a sign that your ABS is working. It only occurs when you first apply the brakes when reversing.

 

------------------

 

Trev

1990 300ZX TT 2+2(import)

http://www.300zx.co.uk/rides/trey/

trey m8,where did u read that?

jaylox

Somewhere on TT.net I think, a couple of years ago.

 

Found it Jay from SeedyRoms post in '99: http://www.twinturbo.net/cgi-bin/ttnet_viewmsg.pl?forum=main&msg_id=225304&words=abs::reversing

 

Posted by: SeedyRom on May 12, 1999 at 9:30 am

 

In Reply To: Automatic shifting problems PLEASE HELP posted by JPAK on May 12, 1999 at 08:30 am

 

This message has been viewed 0 times.

Of course, check your fluid level. Other than that, have a service done. Might have a clog, could be solenoids, etc. As for the click when reversing, if you only hear that right when you turn the car on and back up, it's your ABS engaging. A way to test is drive around for a few miles, THEN backup and go back into drive. If it didn't do it then, and only after the car has sat then it's ABS. Good luck.

 

: I have a 90 n/a and my auto tranny is screwed! When shifting from 1st to 2nd it redlines than shifts really hard. especially when engines cold. Sometimes when i floor the pedal i notice a HUGE decrease in speed before it picks up. All the gears are there, that's good i thing. also, when i'm reversing i hear a clicking noise. havent got a chance to go to a mechanic but what do you think the problem is??? I hope i don't need a rebuild, Please help

 

 

------------------

 

Trev

1990 300ZX TT 2+2(import)

http://www.300zx.co.uk/rides/trey/

 

[This message has been edited by Trey (edited 17-06-2002).]

Spoke to Rob on the phone on friday afternoon (hope you don't mind me mentioning this rob ) and it turns out the oem tie bar bushes have worn into a kind of oval shape where the pivot bolt passes through....

 

This suggests the banging IS the tie bar bushes

 

CheerZ

 

Andy

 

 

Hehe! No problem. They've kind of become slotted where the bolts have split the bushes and pushed the rubber outwards into a nice lump....

 

I'll maybe take some pictures just for interest when I get 'em off...

 

Cheers (ta for the help Andy)

 

RobH

I have the same problem when parking forwards and reversing sounds like it coming from the front brakes? when I eventually get these 3g brakes and new pads on I'll let u know if it go's away?