Possible diff or suspension problem

[bcs]

First of all, I would like to say that I was very ecstatic about finding this place and learning that Dave was here. I don't think I've ever actually talked to Dave or met him, but I have learned so much invaluable information about this car from him...from his 'previous life'. :) So a huge thanks to him. I still use many of his tutorials.

Anyway. Now, after spending the last half hour or so and searching through this area, I don't think I have found anything that really relates to the sounds that I have coming from the rear of the car. I realize that it is very hard to diagnose a sound via a message board, but I am not sure that a recording will help because I don't think it will be picked up. But I will try.

The sound. The best way I can describe it is that is sounds as if a brake pad is rubbing on the rotor. This only happens when I am at a dead stop and and just begin to move. And it will only happen for a split second. As soon as I am moving, the sound is gone.

I don't think it is a wheel bearing, because there is no sound while moving...other than when I first move. My initial thought was the diff, but as I think about it more it could be something in the suspension. Perhaps a suspension squeak when the spring is compressed or something.

Driving history. I don't usually daily drive the car, however I have been for the last few weeks. We've had a mixture of sunny and rainy days. In the last month or so, I have done two track events...a drivers skills day and an auto cross day. Other than some occasional spirited driving, I don't drive the car too hard. No burnout or clutch dumps, etc.

The car, as far as suspension and other things go, is in stock form. I have checked the brake pads and they are still in good condition. About 1/2 pad on the rear and almost full pad on the front.

I first noticed the sound after the driver's skills day. It only happened once, and I didn't hear it for a while. I am starting to hear it a little more regularly. Not all the time though.

I am going to be doing some maintenance this weekend. I'll be changing the diff fluid (using Dave's tutorial :thumbup:). Is there anything that someone can suggest that I inspect? Suspension perhaps? Later this spring I plan on following another user's suggestion on a chassis lube. Perhaps something just needs a little more grease. There are a lot of parts on this car that I am not familiar with, so I would need someone to suggest to me where to look.

I am hoping that this isn't anything big, but if it is I would rather try to catch it early if I can.

Thanks in advance for reading...and Dave...thanks again for all the help you have indirectly given me over the last few years. :thumbup:

[Jays2k]

Year and mileage of the car?

[bcs]

Year and mileage of the car?

Model Year: 2000
Mileage: Not quite 69000

[repiv]

My S is about the same vintage and it makes new sounds all the time.
In your case, because you get it momentarily when you take off, I'm thinking it's related to the suspension getting loaded at the rear. Look at all the rubber bushings under the car (both front and rear but key in on the rear). You may have a simple matter of bushing "squawk". Spray every bushing you see under there with rubber safe silicone. It might be a useful exercise to move off in reverse to see if it makes the same sound. Going in reverse should load up the front instead of the rear and this may tell a story.
It's also possible that you have a little spring squeak since they are getting "aged". This is not a big deal and you can also spray the springs with silicone. It might or might not do anything but it won't hurt anything.
Then there's the compression of the clutch disc springs. Like any spring that gets old, one of these might also make a noise. Again, try it in reverse. It should still make the noise as the clutch really can't tell if you're going frontwards or backwards. Try a mild take off in 2nd.
Oh, welcome to the site. I'm glad you found me.

[darkside]

Maybe caliper sticking?

[repiv]

Maybe caliper sticking?

A good way to check this would be to come to a rolling stop without touching the brakes. Then take off again.