S14: Installed PBM Subframe risers, now rotational clicking noise

[FaLKoN240]

I had some PBM subframe risers installed on my S14.

What was installed/done:
PBM Subframe risers
Energy bushings installed on RLCA and Traction rods
Stainless steel brakelines installed
PBM Toe rods
SPL RUCA
Subframe powdercoated

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/FaLKoN240/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps2bceeb4a.jpg (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/FaLKoN240/media/Mobile%20Uploads/photo_zps2bceeb4a.jpg.html)

The problem: There is a clicking noise coming from the rear of the car. It gets faster the faster the car goes, so I believe it's something rotational.

I got under the car and checked to see if the axle boots were torn or rubbing, nothing. I put the car under static load to see if maybe the boots were making contact with the car, nothing. So I don't believe it's the axles.

Put my hands between the wheels/coilovers, no rubbing there...

I've heard of people having the heat shields cutting their axle boots if their cars are super slammed (mine is not) but I checked anyway.

Not sure what else it could be. Has anyone had any problems with these like this?

[Renelovesnike]

Did you notch up the sheet metal seam right ontop of the ruca? ive seen some aftermaket ruca's that didnt clear with the seam un'notched*

[FaLKoN240]

I don't think that would cause a rotational noise... :(

[Renelovesnike]

haha it wouldnt cause rotational noise but would probably hit/make contact with the seam and ruca under hard driving/load* just a heads up* =]

i figured out after i installed my subframe back in so just a reciprocating saw and a vise grip/hammer fixed that without dropping again* haha just be carefull around brake lines*

[polar951]

Does it happen when your car is cruising on the freeway and you clutch in and it dissapears? I had this same exact problem when I installed all of the parts you did minus the ES bushings. My car would always make a "wobbling/clicking" sound even on the slightest acceleration and when I would clutch in while rolling it would dissapear. Apparently it has to do with the solid diff ear bushings and solid PBM bushings transferring the noise of the differential. Couldn't find any rubbing literally anywhere like you described so I just ignored it and has been fine ever since. Has been for a couple months.

Edit: had even called up PBM and spoke with a mechanic to help confirm that it would most likely be the differential

[Akop]

Might be your driveshaft rubbing against your ebrake cables, they're right above your driveshaft.

[Def]

Since your frame rails seem to be the bump stops in your suspension, you might be over extending the tripod joint in the axles and you're hearing it re-seat on every 120 degree spin. It will click pretty quickly if so.

Solution: run a reasonable ride height

[tmbunoknowns]

yes,you might be over extending the tripod joint in the axles and you're hearing it re-seat on every 120 degree spin. It will click pretty quickly if so.http://goo.gl/E0iu44

[FaLKoN240]

Since your frame rails seem to be the bump stops in your suspension, you might be over extending the tripod joint in the axles and you're hearing it re-seat on every 120 degree spin. It will click pretty quickly if so.

Solution: run a reasonable ride height


My car is one of the higher cars out there. I'm just barely tucking tire and running -3.5 camber out back. My sideskirts scrape before my frame rails do.


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[Edwin562]

so the clicking starts getting faster as the car moves faster, by any chance the clicking get louder as the car gains speed?

[FaLKoN240]

so the clicking starts getting faster as the car moves faster, by any chance the clicking get louder as the car gains speed?


Yes!!!


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[rg3777]

bent dust shield maybe

[FaLKoN240]

It's the ebrake hitting somewhere. If I pull it while I drive it stops.


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[brndck]

It's the ebrake hitting somewhere. If I pull it while I drive it stops.


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My ebrake cables did the same thing when I switched to z32 drum ebrake.

[Edwin562]

I never had that issue with my rear Z brakes..... Could be the ebrake line hitting the driveshaft. Since you did install the risers, I would only assume that line were brought a tab lower, low enough to hit the driveshaft. Since you say when you pull the ebrake noise goes away, you probably remove the slack the ebrake line has and lifts it off the driveshaft... check that out dude.

[Akop]

I knew it was the ebrake cable.

[Def]

My car is one of the higher cars out there. I'm just barely tucking tire and running -3.5 camber out back. My sideskirts scrape before my frame rails do.


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Yep, looks like it's absolutely sky high in those pics...

Tucking tire at a "high" ride height... Hahaha

[FaLKoN240]

Yep, looks like it's absolutely sky high in those pics...



Tucking tire at a "high" ride height... Hahaha


Lol well it's high compared to my friends that tuck rim and stuff I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


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[Def]

All friends can't drive over highway reflectors without major risk of mechanical damage... FLORIDA.

[FaLKoN240]

All friends can't drive over highway reflectors without major risk of mechanical damage... FLORIDA.


Nice try. I live in the Bay Area of California.


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[Def]

Even worse... Resist the hard parking

[FaLKoN240]

Even worse... Resist the hard parking


Lol I help run the same kind of events you guys hold over there. Big open parking lots with cones.


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[Def]

Stop murdering cones, raise the car up and go to a real race track. :)

[az_240]

E-brake cables hitting driveshaft....

[FaLKoN240]

Stop murdering cones, raise the car up and go to a real race track. :)


I've been to buttonwillow and thunderhill multiple times dude. You're singing to the choir. It's why my car isn't slammed to the ground.


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[FaLKoN240]

E-brake cables hitting driveshaft....


Yep I'm gonna play around with them later to make sure they don't rub anymore. It's so annoying.


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[FaLKoN240]

So got under the car with a better idea what to look for and sure enough my cables were resting on the driveshaft.

I found the clips that the lines are supposed be attached to.

You can see where the lines wee rubbing from before.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/FaLKoN240/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zps9804dec8.jpg (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/FaLKoN240/media/Mobile%20Uploads/photo1_zps9804dec8.jpg.html)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/FaLKoN240/Mobile%20Uploads/photo2_zpsab5cd241.jpg (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/FaLKoN240/media/Mobile%20Uploads/photo2_zpsab5cd241.jpg.html)

Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions guys!

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[Def]

Adel clamp + pop rivet with large head.

[dat925stunna]

Drivshaft rubbing you ebrake cables easy fix


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[Kaifd3s]

Good stuff you figured it out.

[Ryanks14]

I just installed Subframe risers and am having trouble with the e-brake cables as well. I have a 1 piece DS Shop Aluminum shaft and I've bent the e-brake brackets right above where the driveshaft and diff connects but I'm now having issues with the rear brakes sticking which causes them to heat up and eventually smoke. Has anyone run into this? What is the fix.

Should I remove the two brackets that attach the e-brake cables to the subframe itself? Are these causing the cable to be pulled too tight?

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

[FaLKoN240]

Almost exactly 6 years later and this problem has returned.

But now the brackets have been broken off after the zip ties I had used to keep the cables up broke off :(

[relaxamigo]

scott your car too low, try lowering subframe instead of raising it :)