does everyone have this problem?

Minicobra1 · 01-26-2009, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

Your problem sounds very similar to a common issue many people had with the early 350z's (03 & 04 built cars). Nissan recogised it as a fault and issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) In England they repaired it free, under warranty - like other people have mentioned it was associated with the rear transmission linkage/driveshafts - near to the rear wheels. Some repairers replaced the parts, but others regreased the original parts and turned them 180degrees before replacing them. I had it done on my '03, but it hasn't been an issue on my '06.

The best way to test for it is to wind down both windows, then drive slowly backwards, slowly forwards, slowly backwards, slowly forwards, slowly backwards, slowly forwards, again and again and either listen for it yourself or get a friend to help. You're right to describe the sound as ratchety and with a bit of a clunk.

If you can hear it, it ain't right - don't be fobbed off by a dealer who says it's nothing, unless you want to live with it and have the parts fail early. It doesn't sound like a 'characteristic of the car' to me. Bummer - I thought Nissan had sorted this one out

I'll see if I can find any more information.

UPDATE - If you register with Nissanhelp.com, then click on Models, all models, 350z, 2004, then Bulletins - go to page 3 of the bulletins and you'll find a PDF of the official Nissan TSB (I won't paste it here because of possible copyright issues) "-REVISED-
2003–2005 NISSAN 350Z; CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR AXLES
A "clicking" noise is coming from the left and/or right rear axle (driveshaft) when accelerating from a stop. "
You're allowed to download it.

Thanks!! This is great info

I don't need to roll down the windows, I can hear it and feel it through the clutch pedal with the windows up.

It happens when rolling forward in 1st and pushing in the clutch at a normal rate while coasting or coming to a stop. Stop and go bumper to bumper traffic in 1st gear. If I push in the clutch really slow it almost eliminates it. It doesn't sound like its coming from the rear-end, but could be, maybe it has something to do with the new style drive shaft.

chubbs · 01-26-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minicobra1

Thanks!! This is great info

You're welcome - I hope it's not a manufacturing fault, but I'm worried that it may be. In my opinion, new cars shouldn't make those noises.

speedworks · 01-27-2009, 09:00 AM

No clunk here, but the thread on the other Z forum, I do have. It appears the front tires scrub slightly during cold temps, that create a small popping sound - basically the tire is scrubing on the ground. I would suspect over time, once the tires get a little wear on them, it will go away. Only happens on tight radius slow moving turns (backing out of garage).

tvfreakazoid · 01-30-2009, 02:34 PM

The best way to do it is to complain and complain. Hopefully then, nissan may do something about it.

Minicobra1 · 02-01-2009, 12:11 AM

Had them check it out at the dealer today, the Service Advisor was familiar with the clunk sound. He even went into detail about the clunk and some small chatter after the initial clunk, calling it the cement mixer sound.

Guess I bought a $40K cement mixer with leather seats and nav

Apparently this has been an issue on some of the 350z's as well. They said Everything checks out ok, and they are going with it's a design thing.

If it is a design thing, I guess I can deal with it, but I sure don't like it.
I think it will prob take a few people to complain about this before Nissan USA would issue a fix. So, I guess I'm stuck with it for now.

chubbs · 02-03-2009, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minicobra1

...it's a design thing...

Hmmmmmmm - so does that mean that everyone whose car DOES NOT have your clunking sound has a faulty car?????? Forgive me, but do I smell the slightly unpleasant odour of Dealer Bull$hit here?

It sounds very similar to my discussions with Nissan UK about my skipping CD's in the 350Z Bose head unit - they insisted that the fact that it was unplayable for the first 20minutes of any journey in cold weather was a "Feature Of The Unit". They installed a total of 4 more refurbished units, all of which displayed the same 'feature', and then finally they capitulated and provided me with a brand new head unit which worked perfectly from Day One. I can only assume that this brand new unit was faulty, because it did not have the 'skipping CD's' feature that it should have had.

Don't take Bull**** for an answer mate... and for Godsake write those letters/make a note of all phone calls.

Minicobra1 · 02-03-2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

Hmmmmmmm - so does that mean that everyone whose car DOES NOT have your clunking sound has a faulty car?????? Forgive me, but do I smell the slightly unpleasant odour of Dealer Bull$hit here?

It sounds very similar to my discussions with Nissan UK about my skipping CD's in the 350Z Bose head unit - they insisted that the fact that it was unplayable for the first 20minutes of any journey in cold weather was a "Feature Of The Unit". They installed a total of 4 more refurbished units, all of which displayed the same 'feature', and then finally they capitulated and provided me with a brand new head unit which worked perfectly from Day One. I can only assume that this brand new unit was faulty, because it did not have the 'skipping CD's' feature that it should have had.

Don't take Bull**** for an answer mate... and for Godsake write those letters/make a note of all phone calls.

Well said

Now I just need the correct address/branch so that it doesn't fall on deaf ears.

Black kNight · 02-03-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

Hmmmmmmm - so does that mean that everyone whose car DOES NOT have your clunking sound has a faulty car?????? Forgive me, but do I smell the slightly unpleasant odour of Dealer Bull$hit here?

It sounds very similar to my discussions with Nissan UK about my skipping CD's in the 350Z Bose head unit - they insisted that the fact that it was unplayable for the first 20minutes of any journey in cold weather was a "Feature Of The Unit". They installed a total of 4 more refurbished units, all of which displayed the same 'feature', and then finally they capitulated and provided me with a brand new head unit which worked perfectly from Day One. I can only assume that this brand new unit was faulty, because it did not have the 'skipping CD's' feature that it should have had.

Don't take Bull**** for an answer mate... and for Godsake write those letters/make a note of all phone calls.

Hope they will fix this problem as soon as possible . because these wired sound i dont like them while driving .

01-30-2009, 02:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
tvfreakazoid A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: kommie kali Posts: 1,238 Drives: 2015 Audi S5; 6spd. Rep Power: 10325	The best way to do it is to complain and complain. Hopefully then, nissan may do something about it. __________________ Mudders milk

02-01-2009, 12:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
Minicobra1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County, CA. Posts: 1,205 Drives: 370Z Tour, Spt, 6mt Rep Power: 645	Had them check it out at the dealer today, the Service Advisor was familiar with the clunk sound. He even went into detail about the clunk and some small chatter after the initial clunk, calling it the cement mixer sound. Guess I bought a $40K cement mixer with leather seats and nav Apparently this has been an issue on some of the 350z's as well. They said Everything checks out ok, and they are going with it's a design thing. If it is a design thing, I guess I can deal with it, but I sure don't like it. I think it will prob take a few people to complain about this before Nissan USA would issue a fix. So, I guess I'm stuck with it for now. __________________ 370z Tour\| Spt Pack\|Navi\|BERK CBE\|Berk HFC's\| Eibach Springs\| Hotchkis Sway Bars\|SPC Camber Arms\|15mm Ichiba Wheel Spacers\| 19"Factory Nismo Wheels-Matt Black\|Stop Tech Rotors\|TWM Shifter\|3M Tint\|Black Fangs\|Black Rear Valance\|JDM Fog Light\| MY BAND-www.myspace.com/petroleum

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01-27-2009, 09:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
speedworks Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 550 Drives: PW purchased 01/09 Rep Power: 18	No clunk here, but the thread on the other Z forum, I do have. It appears the front tires scrub slightly during cold temps, that create a small popping sound - basically the tire is scrubing on the ground. I would suspect over time, once the tires get a little wear on them, it will go away. Only happens on tight radius slow moving turns (backing out of garage).