Right Rear Clack-Clack Under Braking, Among Other Issues.

[Remo]

First Post.

My "New" 1998 GS400 with 150k has a few issues that I'm finding. I've yet to have much chance to get under it (these things are low!).

Right rear brake has a double-speed (sounds like twice per revolution) "clack" sound when brake pedal is depressed soft or hard at any speed. Tempo drops proportional to speed. I've not found anything like this described so far in my searches- mostly I've seen squeal and normal part-shifting problems out there-not this. I didn't see anything odd underneath when I stuck my head down here. Not sure what it would be- anyone?

Next- Steering wheel vibration/movement. I know that 1) chrome is peeling/de-laminating in places. And 2) one shop with previous owner did the repair where they paint sealer of some kind on the wheel and remounted the tire (which one(s) I don't know). Do I just need to have all of the wheels "cleaned" of chrome on the inside and painted this way? How much you think this would run? Do I need a higher-quality balance following this to get rid of the vibration? Has brand-new Cooper tires on it.

Next- Somewhere in there, they tell me an engine gasket (valve cover?) is leaking and will one day leave an oil spot on my driveway. How much, gulp, will that run- anything I can do to make it go longer before repair needed? Avoid high rpm?

Interested reliability mods, mileage mods, things to watch for(ball joints?), use of sound-deadening to quiet it down even further, replacing windshield, and I'll keep reading up on this excellent forum.

Remo

[intakerGS]

I suggest you start with the obvious. The proportional 'clacking' sound may be caused by sticky pistons or slidepins (rusty). Depending on the overall state of the brake assembly (calipers/pins/brakepads/rotors/clips), a proper taking-apart and cleaning-greasing job may do the trick. It shouldn't be too hard to diagnose. If your brakes are inspected OK, you can consider worn linkage/joints/struts etc.

Wheel vibration is a well known fact for these cars. In general it's caused by improperly balanced wheels, dirt, paint peeling off, uneven rims, improper torque or bad/cheap tires. If the tires are re-mounted as you stated, the wheels need to be re-balanced too. Perhaps consider also re-allignment of wheels. Make sure you pick a shop with proper balancing equipment and competence. They can also advice on the state of your rims.

I estimate replacement of valve-cover gaskets (there are two) between 400-600 dineros (although I'm not sure about rates in your country). It's not too complicated to perform, but some parts need to be removed in order to get to it (mostly a labour related price). The downside, as the gasket gets older and more brittle in time, spilling lot's of oil, there's a slight chance of engine-fire (besides messing up your engine compartment).

[Remo]

Thanks hugely for the reply intakerGS.

I've had the car a week now. Update- Car died two times today, now at a shop.

I'm guessing an alternator replacement? Didn't seem like it was a connection issue to me. Vehicle showed low "juice". Cruising at 60 and nav screen went black. Then rpm dropped to low 100s. Then instrument cluster lights went out and engine shut down. Pulled it over and after 15 mins, restarted and drove in to work no problemo, but initially showed weak lights and weak crank/starter power. Even started up fine on the way to the shop hours later, but died again on a busy street and had to be hauled in. Has a new battery from prev. owner(this happen before?) and came with info. from a prior mechanic that the battery wiring "harness had to be kept clean because it would eventually corrode."

I found a piece of the brakes (not sure what- most of my auto knowledge is theorhetical without practical experience- part of my job), was sliding way out of position and contacting the inside of the rim, scouring a groove as the wheel rotated- likely at least one source of the sound. Maybe a loose/broken/wrongly installed brake pad? I'll find out soon anyway. Looking for local shop with a good roadforce balancer, wheel equipment, experience grinding off chrome, etc. (shouldn't be hard to find.)

Remo Aaaangry...