Slight clunk coming from driveshaft or diff

ZinEU · 03-06-2019, 08:13 PM

Apologies for the confusing title, and I first want to mention my car drives perfectly fine, no strange noises whatsoever, this is strictly a noise I hear when I make the clutch/flywheel clunk on purpose.

When I let the clutch out fast (at idle)until it grabs to make the clutch/flywheel clunk on purpose I could also hear a slight clunk coming from right behind me. Obviously there is going to be some play in the gears and driveshaft, just curious if it’s normal noise. I only just noticed this noise, but I’m sure it’s been doing it for a while or maybe it’s whole life. Has anyone else noticed this or able to recreate the noise? I have already replaced the diff bushings, so it leads me
To believe it’s a normal noise.

Spooler · 03-06-2019, 09:14 PM

Subframe bushings can make a clunk also.

Quicksilvers · 03-07-2019, 01:00 AM

It could possibly be a faulty u joint on your driveshaft. I had this same issue you are describing and after diagnosis the u joint was loose and had play in it. I just purchased a brand new driveshaft and installed it and the clunk noise went away permanently. In my experience I have seen this being differential or suspension related as well. The clunk noise will just get worse over time. If you can’t diagnose this noise yourself take your Z to a reputable shop or a Nissan dealership service department you trust and have them diagnose it for you good luck.

SouthArk370Z · 03-07-2019, 06:49 AM

As old as your Z is, I suspect that the problem is the subframe bushing (as per Spooler).

Could be rear wheel bearing needs adjustment, but that is usually described as a click not a clunk.

Could be a u-joint, but that doesn't seem to be a common problem.

03-06-2019, 08:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZinEU Base Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Germany Posts: 18 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z 6MT Rep Power: 10	Slight clunk coming from driveshaft or diff Apologies for the confusing title, and I first want to mention my car drives perfectly fine, no strange noises whatsoever, this is strictly a noise I hear when I make the clutch/flywheel clunk on purpose. When I let the clutch out fast (at idle)until it grabs to make the clutch/flywheel clunk on purpose I could also hear a slight clunk coming from right behind me. Obviously there is going to be some play in the gears and driveshaft, just curious if it’s normal noise. I only just noticed this noise, but I’m sure it’s been doing it for a while or maybe it’s whole life. Has anyone else noticed this or able to recreate the noise? I have already replaced the diff bushings, so it leads me To believe it’s a normal noise.

03-07-2019, 06:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	As old as your Z is, I suspect that the problem is the subframe bushing (as per Spooler). Could be rear wheel bearing needs adjustment, but that is usually described as a click not a clunk. Could be a u-joint, but that doesn't seem to be a common problem. Chuck33079 likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

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03-06-2019, 09:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,532 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684391	Subframe bushings can make a clunk also.

03-07-2019, 01:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Quicksilvers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2017 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,039 Drives: 2017 370z Rep Power: 25462	It could possibly be a faulty u joint on your driveshaft. I had this same issue you are describing and after diagnosis the u joint was loose and had play in it. I just purchased a brand new driveshaft and installed it and the clunk noise went away permanently. In my experience I have seen this being differential or suspension related as well. The clunk noise will just get worse over time. If you can’t diagnose this noise yourself take your Z to a reputable shop or a Nissan dealership service department you trust and have them diagnose it for you good luck.