Rear Axle Clunk (Please Report Here!)

RedZed34 · 05-07-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlmartin81

Is the noise something like a chatter when load is applied under 3K? Cause I'm experiencing something like that. It sounds like a rattle....kind of like a tin can filled with pebbles. I know it's not a loose cat heat shield because I've experienced that in the past with other car and that is far more noisier. The sound I hear is a bit more subtle but noticeable from the outside.

This is my first RWD car so maybe it's normal. My inspection is up next month and I plan to bring it up to the techs.

No, its almost like a series of clunks/clacks... either as I start moving forward or backwards as torque is applied. I didn't notice it when I picked up the car either. I started to notice it at around 1,000 miles or so and its gotten progessively louder.

JvKintheUSA · 07-18-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedZed34

No, its almost like a series of clunks/clacks... either as I start moving forward or backwards as torque is applied. I didn't notice it when I picked up the car either. I started to notice it at around 1,000 miles or so and its gotten progessively louder.

Sounds like two metal bars being hit together.

Voice59 · 10-24-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlmartin81

Is the noise something like a chatter when load is applied under 3K? Cause I'm experiencing something like that. It sounds like a rattle....kind of like a tin can filled with pebbles. I know it's not a loose cat heat shield because I've experienced that in the past with other car and that is far more noisier. The sound I hear is a bit more subtle but noticeable from the outside.

This is my first RWD car so maybe it's normal. My inspection is up next month and I plan to bring it up to the techs.

I've been getting the SAME exact sound lately on mine. And I couldn't figure out what it was. I drive a manual so I thought it was only when I engaged the clutch...but it's not. It seems to happen almost always if the car hasn't been warmed up..and I drive off immediately.. It'll continue until it's "warm". I would definitely like some clarification if anyone has come up with a cause.

The sound I'm hearing isn't the clunk or sound that the OP talked about. Mine happens while the car is already in motion and especially on turns. It just sounds like.. a little bit of a rattle like my exhaust is vibrating against the car. But I checked that. I have no idea what it is. But I've looked under the car..nothing is stuck, binding, loose, etc.

osbornsm · 10-24-2013, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voice59

Mine happens while the car is already in motion and especially on turns.

Sway bar links or their bushing?

shabarivas · 05-07-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedZed34

Hey everyone,
I know there's a bunch of threads already started about the noises that the rear axles are making when the car starts from a complete stop, but I really think us as owners need to report these things direct to Nissan USA. If Nissan doesnt know these problem exist, then they can't fix them either. At the moment, there is no recall or bulletin for the problem, but I really think there's a design issue here. From what I can tell, the main reason for the noise is simply because there's play or slop in the axle splines causing a clunk when power is applied to the drivetrain (the axles specifically)... so it's obviously not a tight fit. So the dealers solution is just to remove the axles and put grease on the splines and re-assemble. Now to me, that's not a permanent fix, just a temporary solution to "hide" the noise. Think about it, eventually the grease is either going to wear down or sqeeze out and we will be back to square one. Also, how long are these axles going to last if the splines aren't tight? Premature wear and/or failure? This precedure was also done on previous 350z's, but I think its BS! You think Nissan would have figured it out by now. So here I am with a brand new 2009 Z with only 1,800 miles on it and I have to rip apart the whole rear end and do something that's not really even a fix.

I hear this problem is also quite common with the new G37's as well. Nissan really needs to either re-engineer the axles and send out replacements or revamp the entire rear drivetrain assembly. I dont know. Does anyone agree?

So guys, if your experiencing this problem, please dont consider it "normal". It's not! I can go out and buy a cheap Kia for $10,000 and not hear any axles clicking or clunking, ya know?

So please report your issues to Nissan USA...

Nissan Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin TN 37068-5003
(800) NISSAN-1 (or 800-647-7261)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern / Central Time / Pacific Time
Monday through Friday

Thanks!

Is it just me or are a bunch of sports car newbs suddenly buying evo Xs and Zs? The clunk usually means you need to get your rear axle greased - this is covered under warranty @ your local nissan dealer... no need to call consumer affairs - these cars already sell as well as they are going to... and honestly - nissan may loose 2-3% of its customers to the Z if they didnt give an eff about fixing the clunk (they know ppl will buy the car no matter what)... so if i was nissan... i would be more worried about my next set of cars etc etc...

Like I have said before: its a sports car... it will make noise, it will clunk, and it will need attention from the owner a lot more than a corolla... it will also corner at 1g and get to 60 in 5... there is a price you pay for those things... and part of that price is a noisy cabin / clutch and axle..

RedZed34 · 05-07-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabarivas

Is it just me or are a bunch of sports car newbs suddenly buying evo Xs and Zs? The clunk usually means you need to get your rear axle greased - this is covered under warranty @ your local nissan dealer... no need to call consumer affairs - these cars already sell as well as they are going to... and honestly - nissan may loose 2-3% of its customers to the Z if they didnt give an eff about fixing the clunk (they know ppl will buy the car no matter what)... so if i was nissan... i would be more worried about my next set of cars etc etc...

Like I have said before: its a sports car... it will make noise, it will clunk, and it will need attention from the owner a lot more than a corolla... it will also corner at 1g and get to 60 in 5... there is a price you pay for those things... and part of that price is a noisy cabin / clutch and axle..

Yeah, I understand its a sports car and it will be noisier than your everyday civic, corolla whatever... the cabin noise, the clutch & throwout bearing noises dont bother me, but the noise from the rear is different. I seriously doubt other sports cars do the same thing. I've had numerous rides in corvettes, porsche's, etc... and I've never noticed the same thing. Even if the noise was there, it certainly wasnt as loud as my car. Yes, they are more expensive cars, but its the same principle. If the sound was hardly noticable and it did it all the time... fine. But when you can hear it 30ft.. 40ft.. away, that just isn't right.

And I guess the oil temp issues with the 370z is also "normal" because it's a sports car and it happens to all of us. Again, if nissan was smart and installed an oil cooler from the factory, this wouldnt be an issue either. Now to even put one on is a concern because it will probably void the warranty?? I'm sorry, I still disagree with the people that call these types of things "normal".

UNKNOWN_370 · 05-09-2010, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedZed34

Yeah, I understand its a sports car and it will be noisier than your everyday civic, corolla whatever... the cabin noise, the clutch & throwout bearing noises dont bother me, but the noise from the rear is different. I seriously doubt other sports cars do the same thing. I've had numerous rides in corvettes, porsche's, etc... and I've never noticed the same thing. Even if the noise was there, it certainly wasnt as loud as my car. Yes, they are more expensive cars, but its the same principle. If the sound was hardly noticable and it did it all the time... fine. But when you can hear it 30ft.. 40ft.. away, that just isn't right.

And I guess the oil temp issues with the 370z is also "normal" because it's a sports car and it happens to all of us. Again, if nissan was smart and installed an oil cooler from the factory, this wouldnt be an issue either. Now to even put one on is a concern because it will probably void the warranty?? I'm sorry, I still disagree with the people that call these types of things "normal".

Buddy, you are beating a dead horse. Besides they are real hard on newbs here. Also there's a lot of cliquing between members so if you keep talking about it they are going to gang up on you and eat you alive.
Get the axle greased. Then drive it. Worst case scenario, it will need grease in 3 or 4 years. The Z is one of the most reliable sports cars out there.
I've owned quite a few nissans. They all have quirks. They all have something going on that's alarming compared to other brands. I had a 98 altima with tranny jump. I would put it in gear and it would pop. Took it to 3 mechanics. They couldn't find anything. I had a 240sx that did the same thing. I sold the 240sx before I could even care. But the altima, I was keeping so I checked it out. The mechanic told me some wise words that hold true 3 more nissans later. He said "In all the years I worked on nissans, they have quirks I can't exxplain, weird abnormalities, but they will never break down." Out of 5 nissans, and probably a combined million miles. I had one breakdown on the alternator on the 98 altima. Nothing else. You will get used to your car. I don't have a Z yet, I have a G which shares most components minus some extra peformance parts and short chassis.
I'm sure you will be ok. Just get some grease bro.

ZeeRay · 05-25-2010, 05:02 PM

Well guys I have this clunk that just developed as well. Before any of the locals try to flame me as a newbie or some turnip wagon ballast let me state the following. One until about 3 years ago I was an L-1 certified ASE autotech, I have built and driven more cars than no doubt 85% of those on this forum, and grew up in a prototype aerospace machine shop.
When it comes to tolerances and proper operation I think I can safely say that I have a pretty damn good grasp on things. This noise is what makes you lean directly to the typical U-joint or ring and pinion slack. Of course our independent suspension gives us the option of CV shafts as well.
Regardless, don't let anyone tell you that this is acceptable. It is a sign of wear and loss of operable tolerances. I have just over 7,000 miles on my Z and don't drive it hard. This is unacceptable and only going to get worse.
Reading here and listening to some of these guys bash others for being concerned and happily driving their cars while destroying parts of them is enough to make me turn a deaf ear.
If some of you want to leave it and sound like your driving on square tires because your car isn't a rolls royce go ahead. I would rather have mine in proper operating order.

P.S. It goes to the dealer in the A.M.

RedZed34 · 05-26-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeRay

Well guys I have this clunk that just developed as well. Before any of the locals try to flame me as a newbie or some turnip wagon ballast let me state the following. One until about 3 years ago I was an L-1 certified ASE autotech, I have built and driven more cars than no doubt 85% of those on this forum, and grew up in a prototype aerospace machine shop.
When it comes to tolerances and proper operation I think I can safely say that I have a pretty damn good grasp on things. This noise is what makes you lean directly to the typical U-joint or ring and pinion slack. Of course our independent suspension gives us the option of CV shafts as well.
Regardless, don't let anyone tell you that this is acceptable. It is a sign of wear and loss of operable tolerances. I have just over 7,000 miles on my Z and don't drive it hard. This is unacceptable and only going to get worse.
Reading here and listening to some of these guys bash others for being concerned and happily driving their cars while destroying parts of them is enough to make me turn a deaf ear.
If some of you want to leave it and sound like your driving on square tires because your car isn't a rolls royce go ahead. I would rather have mine in proper operating order.

P.S. It goes to the dealer in the A.M.

Thanks for your comment ZeeRay. At least there's someone out there that sees my reasoning and understands where I'm coming from. I've pretty much given up on this thread at this point because everyone "knows it all" and just wants to rip your head off for posting a concern.

P.S. I still havent been back to my dealer yet to have the axle greased... as I'm still hesitant of doing it if it's only a temporary fix just to "quiet down" the noise. But if you could please either post back up or even PM me what your dealers says about your car's situation, that would be great!! Thanks

UNKNOWN_370 · 05-09-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabarivas

... it will also corner at 1g and get to 60 in 5... there is a price you pay for those things... and part of that price is a noisy cabin / clutch and axle..

Giving the Z extra G's

Non sport .94
Sport .98
Nismo .99

No rounding off in the sports car world....lol.

dlmartin81 · 05-07-2010, 11:43 AM

^^ someone's tired and annoyed.

dlmartin81 · 05-07-2010, 11:55 AM

WERRRRRD

Valentino · 05-08-2010, 12:52 AM

where exactly i have to apply the grease? is it covered in the service manual?

Thanks

jnaut · 05-08-2010, 01:12 PM

we, only worry about the oil temps because we have a guage to look at...350s no guage no problem...

cossie1600 · 05-26-2010, 08:08 AM

Nissan has the worst customer service, good luck getting them to do anything

05-25-2010, 05:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
ZeeRay Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lawton, Ok Posts: 51 Drives: 370Z and a Corvette Rep Power: 16	Well guys I have this clunk that just developed as well. Before any of the locals try to flame me as a newbie or some turnip wagon ballast let me state the following. One until about 3 years ago I was an L-1 certified ASE autotech, I have built and driven more cars than no doubt 85% of those on this forum, and grew up in a prototype aerospace machine shop. When it comes to tolerances and proper operation I think I can safely say that I have a pretty damn good grasp on things. This noise is what makes you lean directly to the typical U-joint or ring and pinion slack. Of course our independent suspension gives us the option of CV shafts as well. Regardless, don't let anyone tell you that this is acceptable. It is a sign of wear and loss of operable tolerances. I have just over 7,000 miles on my Z and don't drive it hard. This is unacceptable and only going to get worse. Reading here and listening to some of these guys bash others for being concerned and happily driving their cars while destroying parts of them is enough to make me turn a deaf ear. If some of you want to leave it and sound like your driving on square tires because your car isn't a rolls royce go ahead. I would rather have mine in proper operating order. P.S. It goes to the dealer in the A.M. DYNAZOR likes this.

05-07-2010, 11:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
dlmartin81 Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chalfont, PA Age: 44 Posts: 923 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 608	^^ someone's tired and annoyed. osbornsm likes this. __________________ Dan F.I. SS CBE 18-R \|\| Llumar 40% tint

05-07-2010, 11:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
dlmartin81 Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chalfont, PA Age: 44 Posts: 923 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 608	WERRRRRD __________________ Dan F.I. SS CBE 18-R \|\| Llumar 40% tint

05-08-2010, 12:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
Valentino Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RaceTrack Posts: 349 Drives: SOLD 09,370z,M6 Rep Power: 306	where exactly i have to apply the grease? is it covered in the service manual? Thanks __________________ Lou Fusz Nissan \| KW V3 \| SPL rear camber and toe bolt \| OS Giken LSD \| Nismo Diff cover \| Engine Oil cooler \| F.I. TDX Cat Back 18" Resonators \| F.I. Resonated Test Pipes \| Injen cold air intake \| COBB AccessPORT \| JWT Clutch Flywheel \|

05-08-2010, 01:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
jnaut A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: wpb, fl Posts: 1,146 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 18	we, only worry about the oil temps because we have a guage to look at...350s no guage no problem... __________________ Best 1/4 mile 12.24 Best mph 114.5_______

05-26-2010, 08:08 AM	#15 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 31	Nissan has the worst customer service, good luck getting them to do anything

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