1st gear noise

JB1 · 07-15-2009, 12:40 PM

Took my car to the dealer to have them check out the noise. According to the tech it nothing to worry about, it is normal for the Dual mass flywheel used in our tranny. I personally still think it sounds like an old clutch with worn out throw out bearing and not something I expect from a near 40K brand new car. But I guess I have to live with it.

J.Wolf · 07-17-2009, 06:05 AM

You guys have nothing to worry about. What you guys are hearing is the back lash in the transmission gear set. What you are doing while in 1st gear with the clutch slightly or fully disengaged is loading up the transmission and as you depress the clutch and let the load off the transmission you are hearing the gears rattle. In a lot of transmissions 1st and 2nd gear sets are usually designed with different teeth then the rest of the gears due to the amount of stress that the 1st and 2nd gear sets see, so these gears usually create a lot more noise. Just like some cars that have a whining reverse gear due to how the teeth are cut (straight cut gears).

ZKindaGuy · 07-21-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Wolf

You guys have nothing to worry about. What you guys are hearing is the back lash in the transmission gear set. What you are doing while in 1st gear with the clutch slightly or fully disengaged is loading up the transmission and as you depress the clutch and let the load off the transmission you are hearing the gears rattle. In a lot of transmissions 1st and 2nd gear sets are usually designed with different teeth then the rest of the gears due to the amount of stress that the 1st and 2nd gear sets see, so these gears usually create a lot more noise. Just like some cars that have a whining reverse gear due to how the teeth are cut (straight cut gears).

You know what amuses me about this "clunk" issue is that there hasn't been a single manual transmission car that I owned that hasn't had such a noise occur. And I have owned at least 10 of them that I can recall of different makes and models. It goes part and parcel with owning a manual transmission.

And if there are dealers out there "fixing it" then I would wager it is more likely done to appease the customer than to actually "fix" a "problem". It's no sweat off the dealer's service department to appease the customer when the car is under warranty because the warranty provides reimbursement back to the dealer.

However this just serves to turn a non-problem into a "real" problem where non actually exists...and in the long run creates the wrong impression that the mnaufacturer screwed up in the design or the car model has problems. Then this just artificially inflates the quality statistics and then a mountain is made out of a mole hill in the magazine rags.

It really is just what you stated...nothing to worry about....but I am sure there will be many that just don't get that fact and will insist that a problem exists where in fact it doesn't...

Minicobra1 · 07-21-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZKindaGuy

You know what amuses me about this "clunk" issue is that there hasn't been a single manual transmission car that I owned that hasn't had such a noise occur. And I have owned at least 10 of them that I can recall of different makes and models. It goes part and parcel with owning a manual transmission.

And if there are dealers out there "fixing it" then I would wager it is more likely done to appease the customer than to actually "fix" a "problem". It's no sweat off the dealer's service department to appease the customer when the car is under warranty because the warranty provides reimbursement back to the dealer.

However this just serves to turn a non-problem into a "real" problem where non actually exists...and in the long run creates the wrong impression that the mnaufacturer screwed up in the design or the car model has problems. Then this just artificially inflates the quality statistics and then a mountain is made out of a mole hill in the magazine rags.

It really is just what you stated...nothing to worry about....but I am sure there will be many that just don't get that fact and will insist that a problem exists where in fact it doesn't...

I agree with you that it's not a problem from a mechanical failure standpoint, but it is a problem if you have people complaining about the sound. The 370z is my 10th manual transmission car, (the most expensive) and without a doubt the most noisy one. When you have passengers asking what the rachety clunking sound is, it's a problem. I deliberately push the clutch in extra slow while cruising through parking lots so that it doesn't make the noise. When you have to do that it just takes some of the enjoyment out of driving it. I just expected a little more from a 2009 model that cost me $41K. I don't want to have to explain to everyone that comments on it that its a dual mass clutch, blah blah blah. I've been in marketing for years, and if customers are complaining about something, there is a problem, regardless if its a real problem or not.
Most people will live with this sound, (including myself) because the 370z has so much more to offer, but if you asked 10 people that have the noise if they really enjoy the sound, no one is going to say the enjoy it. It doesn't add any value to the car, it detracts, if there was a quick painless fix, everyone would do it.

JB1 · 07-22-2009, 08:09 PM

Well said minicobra! I can honestly say I have driven hundreds of manual cars (being from Europe originally and having had jobs at car dealers
and leasing companies) and I have only heard similar noises
coming from old and beat up rental or lease cars... Not something I expect from a brand spanking new, near 40K sports car. I do understand it technically is not a problem but it sure is anoying!

6MT · 07-24-2009, 09:38 AM

No problems with 1st gear with me. Although, I've only put 600 kms on mine. I'll keep a listen out for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rench

First off... Hi all, new member and new z owner (always been a nissan/z fan, finally jumped).

Curious if any other 370 owners have heard a whine/noise in 1st gear after everythings warmed up? Out of the driveway there isn't anything... but drive around and get everything nice and warm, and first gear sounds horrible. I had a nissan tech ride with me (and I used to work on cars, even nissan for over a yr), He agrees it sounds horrible but dealer didn't wanna make it official yet so he said he would drive another one or two and they would get back to me.... I'm not worried as its warranteed but... just wondering if many others are hearing this.

I did find one review of the many I read thru (wanna say it was automobile mag web review but not 100%) that mentioned first gear sounding like they stole it from a garbage truck. Just curious if this is uncommon/rare or if everyone hears it...

bradz · 07-26-2009, 04:29 PM

I just found out that the noise will not occur if you disengage the clutch slowly. Its just proper timing of the cluth and the gas. Just practice to shift it smoothly and you guys won't hear the noise.

hadokenuh · 10-16-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradz

I just found out that the noise will not occur if you disengage the clutch slowly. Its just proper timing of the cluth and the gas. Just practice to shift it smoothly and you guys won't hear the noise.

^^^ This

I used to get this noise as well but starting learning the timing and how much pressure apply to the clutch. The noise is gone about 80% of the time now.

vortrex · 11-21-2009, 04:31 PM

my new car has this too...

370zjames · 11-03-2010, 04:35 AM

I have same problem!!! I'm not a big fan of nissan tranny!!!!

stormos · 03-04-2011, 07:02 AM

YouTube - 370z spojka

I have the same problem

spearfish25 · 03-04-2011, 07:34 AM

^your noise isn't the transmission. You're revving in neutral. That's the sound of the alternator, water pump...something belt driven.

stormos · 03-05-2011, 06:15 AM

No man, when I push transmission pedal noise isn“t

ImportConvert · 03-12-2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormos

No man, when I push transmission pedal noise isn“t

Easy...easy....calm. Mine does it, too. All is well. Sounds identical.

Icib · 03-31-2011, 03:10 PM

Havent been here for a while, my car still does the rattle/chatter noice in first. Just wondering if everyone is just living with it or if someone ever found a solution! Its loudest when outside temp is high and when I have been driving 30 mins+. (driving off at a red light sometimes even makes me feel ****, helps if I keep the revs up more as I normally would do)

Also when I am driving slow in first gear and I have to brake "hard" and depress my clutch quickly I sometimes get a hard bang/clunk

03-04-2011, 07:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	^your noise isn't the transmission. You're revving in neutral. That's the sound of the alternator, water pump...something belt driven. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For the Top Gear fans (Every Episode)	xDIEGOx	The Lounge (Off Topic)	50	09-16-2019 09:40 PM
Knock on the VQ37VHR - gear heads step inside	BerkTech	Intake/Exhaust	39	04-13-2009 10:37 AM
What do you think the Top Gear crew will think of the new 370Z?	AutoX370z	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	34	12-14-2008 11:25 PM
Some favorite top gear videos	AK370Z	The Lounge (Off Topic)	12	11-13-2008 11:00 PM
Top Gear Reviews Dodge Challenger, Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V...And They Like Them!	AK370Z	Other Vehicles	0	11-10-2008 07:07 AM

07-15-2009, 12:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
JB1 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 748 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z sold Rep Power: 18	Took my car to the dealer to have them check out the noise. According to the tech it nothing to worry about, it is normal for the Dual mass flywheel used in our tranny. I personally still think it sounds like an old clutch with worn out throw out bearing and not something I expect from a near 40K brand new car. But I guess I have to live with it.

07-17-2009, 06:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
J.Wolf Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1 Drives: 06 evo mr Rep Power: 16	You guys have nothing to worry about. What you guys are hearing is the back lash in the transmission gear set. What you are doing while in 1st gear with the clutch slightly or fully disengaged is loading up the transmission and as you depress the clutch and let the load off the transmission you are hearing the gears rattle. In a lot of transmissions 1st and 2nd gear sets are usually designed with different teeth then the rest of the gears due to the amount of stress that the 1st and 2nd gear sets see, so these gears usually create a lot more noise. Just like some cars that have a whining reverse gear due to how the teeth are cut (straight cut gears).

07-22-2009, 08:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
JB1 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 748 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z sold Rep Power: 18	Well said minicobra! I can honestly say I have driven hundreds of manual cars (being from Europe originally and having had jobs at car dealers and leasing companies) and I have only heard similar noises coming from old and beat up rental or lease cars... Not something I expect from a brand spanking new, near 40K sports car. I do understand it technically is not a problem but it sure is anoying!

07-26-2009, 04:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
bradz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pinellas County Florida Posts: 348 Drives: 09' 370z MB 6spd Rep Power: 16	I just found out that the noise will not occur if you disengage the clutch slowly. Its just proper timing of the cluth and the gas. Just practice to shift it smoothly and you guys won't hear the noise.

11-21-2009, 04:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
vortrex Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SF, CA Posts: 199 Drives: '09 370z 6spd Rep Power: 16	my new car has this too...

11-03-2010, 04:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
370zjames Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Silverdale, WA Posts: 404 Drives: 10' 370Z 6MT/ Sports Rep Power: 15	I have same problem!!! I'm not a big fan of nissan tranny!!!!

03-04-2011, 07:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
stormos Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Czech republic Posts: 72 Drives: 2010-37OZ-Blue-6M Rep Power: 16	YouTube - 370z spojka I have the same problem

03-05-2011, 06:15 AM	#13 (permalink)
stormos Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Czech republic Posts: 72 Drives: 2010-37OZ-Blue-6M Rep Power: 16	No man, when I push transmission pedal noise isn“t

03-31-2011, 03:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
Icib Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Belgium Posts: 20 Drives: 370z 6MT Rep Power: 16	Havent been here for a while, my car still does the rattle/chatter noice in first. Just wondering if everyone is just living with it or if someone ever found a solution! Its loudest when outside temp is high and when I have been driving 30 mins+. (driving off at a red light sometimes even makes me feel ****, helps if I keep the revs up more as I normally would do) Also when I am driving slow in first gear and I have to brake "hard" and depress my clutch quickly I sometimes get a hard bang/clunk