Squeaky
 

I have a 2012 Roadster, Base.

Problem is when I drive on California's bumpy roads it sounds like two teenagers making love on an old spring mattress bed. Eeek, squeee-eek, squeak. It sounds like it's coming from the compartment where the top is stowed. I've looked and can't find anything loose. I've backed off some bolts and re-tightened. No luck. Took it to the neighborhood mechanic who is pretty good and he couldn't find it. It wouldn't squeak when I took it in, of course. Anybody have a similar problem? Can you help me? Please it's driving me nuts.

Hi,

Does it happen with the top up or down, or both?

It happens with both up and down. I guess I notice it most when it's up because there's less road noise. Sometimes after I put it back down it's quieter/less noticeable. But then it comes back. I'm starting to believe the bolts that hold the frame together may be working loose with time. But then maybe the frame is all welded and there aren't any bolts. Any info on that? I remember seeing an exploded view drawing of a Z car, can't remember if it was a convertible or not. Something like that would help me to visualize what's happening.

Hi

This is an interesting problem. I don't seem to have any squeaking coming from that area. I use to have real bad roads out where I live before they were paved but never developed a squeak.

If you haven't looked through here you might try this https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/2012/RF.pdf


Dan

In the morning before the Z is warmed up, if I go slow over speed bumps, I can hear a creeping sound in the back. Sort of like walking slowly over a heavy wood plank floor, but not squeeky

Like I said mine sounds like an old steel spring bed. It started something like what you describe. Sometimes it barely makes a noise at all. Sometimes it's really loud. It may have to do with temperature or humidity. I haven't nailed it down. I need to check it out but my back went out last week.

Thanks Dan. I spent a couple of hours looking for something like that yesterday. I can see why nobody wants to work on these tops. Mine had to be replaced, under warrantee, a couple of years ago. I think it cost Nissan about $10k or more. They flew a guy up from LA to do the fine tuning after they replaced the parts.

First thing I'd do is see if any parts of the mechanism/trim are rubbing together and causing the noise. You may be able to see scratch/wear marks where they touch. A passenger may be able to pinpoint the source while you concentrate on driving. A small amount of dry lube (graphite, silicone, etc) will usually fix the problem.

Have you tried moving your seat forward? Mine squeaks when it is touching the roll ball. Next time it is squeaking, move the seat forward a few inches and see what happens.

I get this too.

I never thought about this. lol...

I don't think that's it but I'll certainly give it a try. I'm going out now to see if I can figure this thing out. One. More. Time.

More Squeaky Talk
 

I tried moving the seats back enough so they don't touch the interior frame. That made no difference.

Then I poked around and partially removed the liner in the compartment where the top is stored when down. I drove around with the top down and the liner partially loose. It was quiet!

I put it back together and made sure the liner wasn't rubbing anything because I noticed it made a small squeak when the support bar on the right side rubbed against the liner. Voila! No squeak at least for now. Oh well, just a little squeak when I hit a big bump. It's behind the driver's seat, not the original problem. The good thing is, with the top up and windows closed, going down a regular bumpy residential street or down the freeway there's no more squeaking. It's down by 95-98%. I can live with that. I hope it lasts. Thanks for ideas everyone. I'll keep you posted if it comes back. I did note a small (1/2") rubber pad on the right side shows some wear. It may be rubbing on something. I cleaned off some dirt and I'll keep an eye on it.

OldGuyFla - did you take a look at that factory service manual page you sent me? Geez, I think NASA must have designed the control system for the top. I pray it never quits working. I'd have to junk the car. It wouldn't be worth fixing even though it's only got 30,000 miles on it and looks pristine. A garage car except when I'm driving it. I do go on sometimes.