What could cause ......

Dasnow · 09-02-2011, 10:07 AM

Have a 7 SPD Auto, it seems everytime I start moving I hear a klacking noise. It sounds like the U joint, if it even has one, on the drive shaft is going bad. Only time it happens is at low rpms. Any Ideas would be helpful. Has anyone ever heard this noise?

roy'sz · 09-02-2011, 10:48 AM

are you loosing power when this happens?

11Thumper · 09-02-2011, 02:15 PM

If under warranty get the dealer to have a look.

MattP725 · 09-02-2011, 02:24 PM

Two things I immediately think of are broken/loose motor mounts or a suspension bushing (sway bar or strut mount).

Motor mounts are usually noticed at low speeds because it is generally when the engine is shifting (going from reverse to foward or even forward after long periods of inactivity).

Regardless it is a warranty issue.

Dasnow · 09-02-2011, 05:59 PM

Not feeling any loss. Most times it happens after car has warmed up. Will bring it in let them figure it out. Will post the outcome.

Jordo! · 09-02-2011, 08:49 PM

Let me know if it's the U-joint. Mine seems to be seeping oil.

No free play yet, but will definitely be getting dealer to take care of this soon.

Good luck!

Dasnow · 09-03-2011, 12:21 PM

Thanks. Will let you know.

UTAMAV · 09-05-2011, 09:37 PM

If you are coasting and then apply light throttle, do you hear the same clacking noise? If so....it could be one of many things.

1. The U-Joint on the drive shaft can develop some "play" especially under a year or two of "enthusiastic" driving. You may want them to check to make sure the U-joint is tight and snug...there should be NO play.

2. Engine Mount....sometimes they become loose. Get them looked at.

3. Most probable.....Transmission mount...get it looked at and tightened down to specs.

If it isnt one of these you are looking at something a bit more costly...good thing you are under warranty (rocker arms, cams, detonation,etc...). Probably not the case....I'd have them look at 1,2, and 3 first.

09-02-2011, 10:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dasnow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 23 Drives: 2009 370Z Silver Aut Rep Power: 15	What could cause ...... Have a 7 SPD Auto, it seems everytime I start moving I hear a klacking noise. It sounds like the U joint, if it even has one, on the drive shaft is going bad. Only time it happens is at low rpms. Any Ideas would be helpful. Has anyone ever heard this noise?

09-02-2011, 08:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 417	Let me know if it's the U-joint. Mine seems to be seeping oil. No free play yet, but will definitely be getting dealer to take care of this soon. Good luck! __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

09-02-2011, 10:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
roy'sz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: palmdale, ca Posts: 1,299 Drives: 2010 nissan 370z Rep Power: 15	are you loosing power when this happens?

09-02-2011, 02:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
11Thumper Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 754 Drives: '11 370Z, '01 S2k Rep Power: 17	If under warranty get the dealer to have a look.

09-02-2011, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 16	Two things I immediately think of are broken/loose motor mounts or a suspension bushing (sway bar or strut mount). Motor mounts are usually noticed at low speeds because it is generally when the engine is shifting (going from reverse to foward or even forward after long periods of inactivity). Regardless it is a warranty issue.

09-02-2011, 05:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dasnow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 23 Drives: 2009 370Z Silver Aut Rep Power: 15	Not feeling any loss. Most times it happens after car has warmed up. Will bring it in let them figure it out. Will post the outcome.

09-03-2011, 12:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dasnow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 23 Drives: 2009 370Z Silver Aut Rep Power: 15	Thanks. Will let you know.

09-05-2011, 09:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
UTAMAV Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 104 Drives: 14 Nissan 370Z GM A7 Rep Power: 13	If you are coasting and then apply light throttle, do you hear the same clacking noise? If so....it could be one of many things. 1. The U-Joint on the drive shaft can develop some "play" especially under a year or two of "enthusiastic" driving. You may want them to check to make sure the U-joint is tight and snug...there should be NO play. 2. Engine Mount....sometimes they become loose. Get them looked at. 3. Most probable.....Transmission mount...get it looked at and tightened down to specs. If it isnt one of these you are looking at something a bit more costly...good thing you are under warranty (rocker arms, cams, detonation,etc...). Probably not the case....I'd have them look at 1,2, and 3 first.