I would like to point that have you ever checked the steps per mm setting? If you are using m8 threaded the z-axis setting should be 2560 steps per mm, I had trouble with this before while I was checking the new board I got. About the motor making noise I simply would say most likely because of not enough current to drive the force

It is the M5 threaded rod provided in the kit. That steps/mm is 4000. Everything is running correctly now.