Differential clunking...

Originally Posted by 6SPD_FTW

Maybe. I've gotten 1100 miles so far on my 2009 370Z w/ sport package.

I've noticed an EVIL knocking noise coming from what SOUNDS like the differential. I've not been nice to this car during break-in, but this noise has been there since I pulled off the lot.

Best way to describe it...when applying tension on the drivetrain and then releasing it (accelerating or attempting to pull out and then releasing the clutch), there 's a NICE little clunk somewhere. It sounds like it's behind me, but may be in the transmission area.

I get the clunk on the 1-2, 2-3, and occassionally the 3-4 shift (although I may just not be able to hear it on higher gears d/t road noise).

The noise is the WORST when I try to pull out on an incline and release the clutch before I get moving. It clunks a few times. Like there is something that is springing back and forth and knocking around when tensions is applied and then released.

I personally think that the differential mounts are a bit rubbery! They build up tension when trying to pull out or accelerating and then when you press the clutch and release the tension, the mounts resume their normal orientation and cause the differential to rattle around.

This is the first RWD vehicle I've owned...so this might just be a normal thing on RWD vehicles. Just don't know.

Any word on this?

Late,
Trav