We noticed a "clicking"/"crackle" sound coming from the rear driver's wheel on our 2016 IS300 F Sport. Only happens when moving in reverse. I have not had a chance to remove the wheel to inspect so I figured I'd start here and see if anyone recognizes the sound. Nothing stuck/embedded in the tire (first thing I checked).

 

I've had a similar experience before and it ended up being worn rear brake pads.

 

Don't recognize the sound but it happens at the same point in rotation with your wheel spin. Gotta be something on the wheel or tire.

 

check the ebrake pads

 

Sounds like the wear bar. I just did my rears. Same thing they only made noise in reverse. Check your rear pads ASAP

 

Oh yeah duh, brakes too. I was thinking about brake components when I relied but didn't even mention them. That would be weird unless something with the pads was loose. But the guard plate or another component.

 

Sounds like the wear indicator on the pads just starting to touch the rotor. That's your early warning sign that it's time for pads at least...maybe rotors too.

 

So I took off the wheel yesterday evening and had a good look around. Brake pads look brand new. Rotors look decent. Couldn't figure it out until I saw this in the tire... But after putting everything back together because I was convinced that was the problem, I re-watched the video and the sound seems to happen just before that part of the tire touched the ground (note the location of the red valve stem cap in the photo and video). The tire is an issue but I don't think its the cause of the sound.

 

Did you check the inside pad? And were you able to replicate the noise by rotating the wheel with the car lifted?

 

Whatever punctured the tire is flush with the rubber, so it's not gonna make noise.
I would check both pads if you didn't take them out yet.
Also when was the last time you did brakes on the rear?

 

i strongly second this

 

Check to see if it's an axle click.

On my s2000 it's been a known 'issue' and it's not too uncommon either.

 

I still say ebrake pads

 

I think the consensus is it's the rear brakes...just need to figure out if it's the e-brake or regulator brakes.

 

Both inner and outer brake pads have plenty of meat on them. I did not have a chance to take the rotor off but the sound has since disappeared. Took the 3IS our to buy groceries last night and there was no sign of the sound. Still very strange and maybe one day I'll get to the bottom of it but for now, I need to get that nail taken care of.


Thanks for the input everyone!!