Popping/cracking sound, left rear

[crwarren11]

2000 986 Tiptronic, nearly 99k miles.  I am getting an annoying popping/cracking sound coming from the left rear.  While driving it sounds like it is high in the suspension, possibly related to the shock absorber, shock absorber mount, or spring.  I only hear the noise at low speeds - going over speed bumps or backing out of my driveway in the morning.  I know it is difficult to pinpoint what the issue could be by just my description, so I am hoping that someone else has heard this noise and it is obvious to someone who has experienced it before.  It could be as simple as a bad shock/strut, but I've never had one go out so I don't know what it sounds/feels like.  The car seems to respond correctly to the push test (push down and it reflexes back to height).  I also checked the nut at the top of the tower which I saw on several posts could be loose, but it was completely tight.  Sway bar, bushings, mounts, all appear to be good.  I took several videos hoping that it might help identify where this is coming from.  I can replicate the sound by jacking up the rear end and then lowering.  You can actually hear popping on the way up too, but it is very noticeable on the way down.  Please let me know what you think could be the culprit!

 

Lowering the back end:

http://vid779.photobucket.com/albums/yy73/crwarren11/Porsche/IMG_4889x.mp4

 

Lowering the back end, view2:

http://vid779.photobucket.com/albums/yy73/crwarren11/Porsche/IMG_4895x.mp4

 

Jacking up the back end and lowering (notice clicks/pops on the way up):

http://vid779.photobucket.com/albums/yy73/crwarren11/Porsche/IMG_4894x.mp4

 

From inside the car, going over a speed bump (sounds more like a squeaking/cracking at 4 seconds):

http://vid779.photobucket.com/albums/yy73/crwarren11/Porsche/9BCBAE06-7C41-4BB3-A592-EAD3997C58F4.mp4

[crwarren11]

I finally got some work in on this and replaced the rear control arms aka control arm link / track arm (986-331-043-07).  Solved the popping/cracking issues and resolved a lot of the other vibrations and rattling.  I have not seen other posts that talk about these symptoms being caused by the control arms, so just wanted to pass along.

 

[smygolf]

I just started a new post and i thing i have the same problem!

Does it have to be a new arm or can i just change the bushing (correct name?) and is it hard to change the arms??

 

Thanks

/Johan

[crwarren11]

I think just the bushings can be replaced but would likely require a hydraulic press so I just replaced the entire arms on both sides. Very easy job. Also check the tightness on your assymmetric bolts for the alignment settings to make sure they aren't loose.

[smygolf]

Thanks for the answer crwarren!

:)

☆edit☆

Take a look in the other thread about my concerns locating the faulty bushing.http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/49789-a-couple-of-issues-squeaky-suspension-and-a-ticking-sound-in-the-footwell/

Edited April 9, 2016 by smygolf