Rattling noise

bitemarks

I got my 370z coupe today and I've been driving it for about 4 hours-- I love it. I noticed something when in the lower gears, however. I'm not sure if it's the clutch or what but I hear a rattling noise when I shift gears. It almost sounds like something is getting banged around when I'm using the shifter in gears 1-3. It might be present at higher gears as well but the engine drowns it out. I'm bringing it in tomorrow since this car is brand new, but can anyone tell me if what I'm hearing is normal? I might just be paying too much attention to it. I didnt hear it when the radio was on.

pedZ

I think this is normal. I hear the same thing on mine. I'm pretty sure there are other threads about this so if you do a search you should be able to get more info.

__________________
2011 Brilliant Silver Touring/Sport/Nav/6MT --- Build Journal
F.I. SS 18" CBE | Takeda CAI | Z1 25-Row Oil Cooler | Swift Springs | Hotchkis Sway Bars | H&R 15mm DRS Spacers F&R | RJM Clutch Pedal | UpRev Tune

TreeSemdyZee

Clutch chatter. Normal, but better shifting can make it go away.

bitemarks

While I've known how to drive a manual car for some time, this is my first actual car with a manual transmission. That being said, my shifting could definitely be a little bit smoother. The dealer just gave me the A-OK so I'm good to go. It's odd though. You spend over 50k on a car you really don't expect to hear clanking and rattling.

mantella87

Yeah, it's just clutch/tranny rattling. Usually happens in low rpms going through the lower gears. I always hear this from a stop in 1st if I don't rev above 1k. I know some guys like to bring it up to 1500-2k from a dead stop but I baby my clutch.

bitemarks

Maybe it's just because I'm inexperienced, but if I don't rev over 1k then the car bucks like a horse unless I feed her more power. I learned on a piece of crap beater car that had almost no power. I find with the 370 that nailing the take off is taking a little longer.

Nick911sc

Engaging the clutch on the Z actually takes a little longer at the friction point compared to other MT cars. Take your time and don't be afraid to give it some gas as the engine doesn't have a great deal of low end torque. As you get better you'll be able to start at lower rpm's. Sometimes I tend to rev a little higher but not engage the clutch until it drops down. Other than that if you feather the gas properly around 1k you can get the car to launch smoothly.

Vaughanabe13

You can get a no-gas start without jerking in the Z if you work the clutch long enough at the friction point. It just takes more patience and slower movement at the FP. Of course you won't get a fast start this way and it doesn't really work on an incline, but it is possible.

__________________
2009 Nissan 370Z Touring, w/sport, 6MT, chicane yellow/black.

Somberlaine

i concur.

bitemarks

I'm going to work on it for sure. All in all though, I'm having a lot of fun with this car. I can't wait until this day is over so I can just drive. I don't know when the last time I said that was.

kenchan

you're right. someone buying a sportscar should know how to drive it.
jk, congrats.

bitemarks

oo, burn lol.

mantella87

It's all about clutch control. As you get better at playing this instrument you will be able to control the car with gentle foot movement. If you get on the accelerator too much right after fully engaging the clutch in low RPMs (or when it's cold) you will probably feel a little bucking.

kenchan

you'll fit in just fine here. welcome!