Nissan GTR Brake Noise

Clicking noises while turning or braking – What could it be?

I’ve spent almost 3 months trying to figure out the ANNOYING “Click-Click” sound I suddenly had coming from the front left wheel, while turning right. I did everything by the book, replaced some parts, and still couldn’t fix it 100%. I managed to fix the clicking noise when turning, but a few days later the “clicking” is back but this time while braking only.

So if you suddenly hear “clicking” noises coming from the front wheels, during sharp turns, here’s what could be causing it.

Reason 1: Rust On Wheel Hub and Rotors Surface

The most common, over time, especially if driven in winters. Rust builds up on the back of the rims, wheel hubs, studs, and rotors. Start off with the back rim and wheel hub rust clean only, so you won’t have to go through the process of removing all break parts to fully clean the rotors (front & back). Wipe down, brush off what you can, add some copper grease, and WD40. If the noise is back again, keep reading below.

Reason 2: Worn out/Damaged Outer CV Axle Boot.

Loud and annoying “Click-Click” noise on low speed turns. This needs immediate attention! Put it on a lift, and inspect both CV Axle Boots. Check for any rips or leaks, and if that’s the case…replace! (#39741-05U91). Also, inspect the Axle for any damaged. I’ve had that happen once, but it wasn’t the reason causing the annoying “Clicks” I had.

Reason 3: Stripped Wheel Studs or Bolt-on Spacer Studs. (If you have Spacers)

Found one of the possible issues. After replacing the Pad Pins, and CV Joints, the noise was still there! I lost hope and was about to order new Rotors, and then decided to check and clean the rust one last time. I took photos of the process, I always do. I posted some on the GTR Tech Forums for support and one member spotted a major issue… One of the bolt‑on studs on my Eibach spacers was stripped BADLY!! How did I miss that!?

Immediately contacted Concept Z Performance, and ordered new front & rear spacers:
H&R Trak+ DRM Series 15/20mm in black (#3065663SW & #4065663SW)

The noise while turning right was gone, however the clicking was back 2 days later, and this time a big possibility from the Caliper Upper Pad Pins being loose and rattling. (See below)

Reason 4: Loose Caliper Upper Pad Pins.

Another VERY common GT-R issue. The upper pad pins don’t have a Cross Spring Clip on it, like the bottoms, and therefore might end up getting loose and rattle.

If that’s the case, all you need is an OEM Cross Spring Clip (#41090‑JF20C), install it on the caliper tie rod, and insert the pad pin back from the inside of the caliper, through the new spring clip and to the outside of the caliper.

Reason 5: Worn out Rotors

This will be my next move if the Cross Spring Clips fix on the pad pins don’t work. Rotors wear out and crack depending on mileage, and how much you abuse the car. I’ve seen many replace their OEMs after 15k‑25k miles. I’m still on OEMs @ ~39k mile (at the time of writing this post), which might be a big possibility of being worn out “thinning” and causing a gap enough to rattle.

Many options out there, all catered to your needs (Daily, Track, Abusing etc…). From what I’ve gathered, the best street driven combo would be OEM Brembo pads or Hawk HPS, with AP Racing Rotors w/ hats & J hook.