S14 Noises, Important Ones.

[staygold24]

Hey all, Ive been dealing with these noises and have investigated them to no avail. Its not just the regular s14 creaks and rattles but others that I believe are related to problems.

#1The first is my a/c was making noise for a while then just flat out died. It was coming from inside the cabin and I searched and tried to find out what was happening. It worked great before and recently had someone custom make the lines for my sr to work with it. I dont believe it is electrical but when driving I dont notice a lower power rate like how I used to when I clicked it on. It was great before this and now it just feels like outside air.

#2 There has been a creaking noise coming from the rear under slow movement such as from a stoplight or coming to a slow stop. I rode in my friends sr'd s14 and it was also making the noises. I dont know if its normal or not but doesnt sound good. I thought it could be related to shocks or bushings in the rear but all mine look fine and in good shape and his car was the same way and had brand new coilovers on it.

#3 A chattering noise in the rear as well. A high pitched, almost squeaking sound that sounds like a zip tie hitting the inner fenders. I thought I could maybe be rubbing but I looked at it and it clears everything. It is speed dependent though.

#4 A chattering noise almost lsd like coming from rear. Has resistance when in reverse. I thought it may be due to caliper but I replaced the caliper recently. Also has a clicking noise that may be driveshaft related that depends on speed. Isnt my wheel bearings as they are in good condition. Happens at cruising speeds but most noticeably in reverse.

#5 Steering rack groan. Busted boot, not leaking any fluid but does have some resistance when turning close to full lock. Getting more and more noticeable. Loud and more noticeable when turning to the right, side of broken boot. Are there cheaper ways than buying a new rack such as bleeding or maybe steering system stop leak?

Just looking for insight guys, any good info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Will

[staygold24]

Come on guys, I know there are lots of s14 veterans out there.

please inquire.

[staygold24]

bump........

[staygold24]

bump

anyone have any insight on number 3? Ive got the rest sorted out.

[koukimonster139]

whats an s14

[DriftSwift]

Dude can you be more specific ?! Your noises are very vague. to try and answer some of your questions. Did you check the A/C compressor. Itself ? Maybe the electric clutch is dead or dieing ? ?#2 the main reason Bushings would make noise under slow or braking, is if they are under different amount of G's or Gravity. Meaning if you pump the brake comming to a stop. It more than likely not make noise if you are at a constant g. (Same as if you go over a bump or dip in the road). ?#3 The way you typed your question is really hard to say what it is. First you say it's whining/Squealing. Then you say it's like Zip ties hitting the inner fender. Most of the time the Whining or Squealing is caused by 2 metals or 2 moving parts. Mainly in the back it could be a bearing. Check the resistance of the wheel bearings. If it moves free with a swipe. then it's ok. If you get some resistance or feel like there is pits. In other words. You will feel something trying to stop it. Then your wheel bearings are bad. Also try and move it forward to back. NOT UP TO DOWN. That will only tell you about Ball joints or connecting joints in general. Or it could be your differential dying out. ?#4 Check your U-Joints. Or your center carrier bearing. Could be the driveshaft as well. ?#5 you might want to check the power steering pump. Usually the groan will come from there. Hope this helps.

[staygold24]

Hey driftswift thanks for the info. Ive fixed all the problems except for the violent chatter coming from the rear.

The chatter sometimes goes away in the rain and is speed dependent meaning it will get worse with higher speeds. It sounds like loud squeak noise going in circles. It mainly occurs around 55 mph with partial throttle. It will also go away with hard braking or if I accelerate hard but as soon as I let off either the gas or brake pedal it comes back. It also occurs when I go over bumps as well no matter what the speed is. Its very loud and can be heard over my music even when it is cranked up pretty well.

Thanks again for the info though guys.

[staygold24]

bump...........

[24Dee]

From the sounds of it, I am also having the same problem as #2. Creaking noise when pulling off from a dead stop and also in 2nd when cruising around town and slowing down and then giving it gas. I don't visually see anything and it doesn't really sound like it's coming from the wheel well, rather from the subframe. I am bringing the car to my body shop within the next two weeks to have them inspect the subframe and also see if my aluminum mounts might be loose or not sitting correctly. This noise just started within the last two months and the mounts have been on the car since last summer.

[sean350z]

Man if my S14 doesn't make sounds I think something is wrong with it. :hsdance:

You probably haven't replaced any bushings, struts, steering components that should be replaced on a 10+ old car. Everything goes especially rubber bushings.

Check/replace your differential bushings, check you driveshaft center carrier, inspect where the tie rod goes into the rack and check to make sure the seal isn't gone on the rack. Not sure on the A/C stuff.

[samms95s14se]

Check your trunk lid for the chatter sound maybe it needs adjusted to be tighter when it's closed? Just press down quickly on it in the middle close to the edge and see if it makes that noise....mine did when I first got it and it took awhile to find where it was coming from.

[93sileighty]

my s14 powersteering groans too but only at low speeds and there really isnt any resistance and it doesnt sound like the pump ( i know that sound). Are there any bushings i should check down there, i plan on changing the rack while i have the motor out to do all the seals and 5spd swap, i just dont want to put it back together and have the same problems after i do the rack. Any help is appreciated