Differential clunking...

6SPD_FTW · 05-12-2009, 01:47 AM

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

SoCal 370Z · 05-12-2009, 02:31 AM

It needs to be placed on a lift and the driveline inspected.

Minicobra1 · 05-12-2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

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

Trav, check this thread out: 1st gear noise I've posted here, and had my car to the dealer, they are saying it's normal for the design, but it sounds horrible to me.

Captain Tuttl · 05-12-2009, 08:48 AM

Does the clunk happen when you are moving and hit a bump or dip? If so, the pinion angle may need to be adjusted.

Also, though unlikely, cars have been known to ship from the factory with no fluid in the gear box or rear diff.

Driveline clunks happpen for a limited set of reasons so it's a process of elimination.

Good luck.

6SPD_FTW · 05-12-2009, 01:23 PM

It doesn't happen when going over bumps. It only happens when the driveline tension changes.

I've read the posts on 1st gear noise and it sounds similar.

But I get the clunk ANYTIME I apply load to the drivetrain and then release it by pressing in the clutch. Like pulling out on a hill, but releasing the clutch, the 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift. ANYTIME I apply tension/load on the drivetrain and then release it by pressing the clutch. Sometimes I get it just by letting off the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear without depressing the clutch. And it is LOUD and very audible from inside and outside the car, as well.

Trip back to the dealer is definitely in order.

Late,
Trav

LiquidZ · 05-12-2009, 02:10 PM

I have this same issue as well. I also noticed it with my Mustang.

Essentially, anytime I hit the gas, and then have to quickly disengage the clutch, it clunks. This is really the only time I notice it happening.

DIGItonium · 05-13-2009, 01:38 AM

My 350Z was pretty bad with this. The clunk is quite annoying especially when getting into 1st from standstill. It clunks in before releasing the clutch.

I'm trying to baby my 370Z as much as possible... it's like OCD now.

smartbomb · 05-13-2009, 07:18 PM

It might be the axle splines, the 350Z and several other Nissans had this issue.

smartbomb · 05-14-2009, 02:36 PM

The offical Nissan fix for the clunking issues in the 350Z and other Nissans was to grease the axle splines with a heavy moly grease or with the old Nissan PCB grease.

This only works for a few thousand miles and the clunking will eventualy return.

zoltan370z · 05-23-2009, 09:44 AM

It just sounds like a little backlash to me. Try leting off the throttle before you release the clutch. As far as the car making the noise while your on a hill, theres really no avoiding that. If your going 3-5 mph from a dead stop and release the clutch its going to make some noise, especially if these clutches have a centrifical weight setup. Sounds normal to me, mine does it, my 06 mustang gt did it. I bought both brand new and they did it from day one. Still get it checked if you want , but I think its normal.

05-12-2009, 01:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
6SPD_FTW Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bristol, VA Posts: 59 Drives: 09 370Z Bl 6MT Rep Power: 16	Differential clunking... 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

05-12-2009, 02:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	It needs to be placed on a lift and the driveline inspected. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

05-12-2009, 02:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 705	I have this same issue as well. I also noticed it with my Mustang. Essentially, anytime I hit the gas, and then have to quickly disengage the clutch, it clunks. This is really the only time I notice it happening. __________________

05-13-2009, 01:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	My 350Z was pretty bad with this. The clunk is quite annoying especially when getting into 1st from standstill. It clunks in before releasing the clutch. I'm trying to baby my 370Z as much as possible... it's like OCD now. __________________

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05-12-2009, 08:48 AM	#4 (permalink)
Captain Tuttl Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: PA Posts: 36 Drives: 2019 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 16	Does the clunk happen when you are moving and hit a bump or dip? If so, the pinion angle may need to be adjusted. Also, though unlikely, cars have been known to ship from the factory with no fluid in the gear box or rear diff. Driveline clunks happpen for a limited set of reasons so it's a process of elimination. Good luck.

05-12-2009, 01:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
6SPD_FTW Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bristol, VA Posts: 59 Drives: 09 370Z Bl 6MT Rep Power: 16	It doesn't happen when going over bumps. It only happens when the driveline tension changes. I've read the posts on 1st gear noise and it sounds similar. But I get the clunk ANYTIME I apply load to the drivetrain and then release it by pressing in the clutch. Like pulling out on a hill, but releasing the clutch, the 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift. ANYTIME I apply tension/load on the drivetrain and then release it by pressing the clutch. Sometimes I get it just by letting off the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear without depressing the clutch. And it is LOUD and very audible from inside and outside the car, as well. Trip back to the dealer is definitely in order. Late, Trav

05-13-2009, 07:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
smartbomb Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cypress Ca Posts: 69 Drives: 300ZXTT, 350Z, 200SX Rep Power: 0	It might be the axle splines, the 350Z and several other Nissans had this issue.

05-14-2009, 02:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
smartbomb Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cypress Ca Posts: 69 Drives: 300ZXTT, 350Z, 200SX Rep Power: 0	The offical Nissan fix for the clunking issues in the 350Z and other Nissans was to grease the axle splines with a heavy moly grease or with the old Nissan PCB grease. This only works for a few thousand miles and the clunking will eventualy return.

05-23-2009, 09:44 AM	#10 (permalink)
zoltan370z Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: st. louis Posts: 24 Drives: 2009 370z blue 6 spd Rep Power: 16	It just sounds like a little backlash to me. Try leting off the throttle before you release the clutch. As far as the car making the noise while your on a hill, theres really no avoiding that. If your going 3-5 mph from a dead stop and release the clutch its going to make some noise, especially if these clutches have a centrifical weight setup. Sounds normal to me, mine does it, my 06 mustang gt did it. I bought both brand new and they did it from day one. Still get it checked if you want , but I think its normal.