Hello All,
I recently purchased a 2004 350Z with 117,000 miles. It is a 6 speed manual transmission. After owning it for 2 weeks it has developed a funny noise. From a stop, if I am turning a corner it makes a clunk noise, and feels like maybe a slip. It does not do this when accelerating from a stop in a straight line, only turning. Any suggestions as to the problem would be appreciated. Thanks, Greg

 

Maybe it has an aftermarket differential?

 

or a welded diff

 

Is the noise dependent on which way you turn? If so, then it might be something with the suspension since the weight of the car is shifting while turning as opposed to it remaining relatively even on straight line acceleration.

 

axle click... could be anything

 

Broken diff stud maybe?

 

What happens when you just go slowly (idle speed) and turn in full circles? Does it do it in both directions (right-left)? Is it rhythmic?

 

I'm curious to see how this pans out. Is the sound central or to one side? I think they're on to it with the diff. If you can get some snaps of the area around the diff that might help diagnose.

 

Update. First mechanic said it was the front lower control arm bushing that was worn out. After replacing, the noise still persist. Only occurs from a stop while turning left. I believe at this point, that the limited slip differential is slipping. I am going to have a NW differentials look at it next week. Thanks for the help.

 

Did you figure out what was causing it? I've got a clunk coming from the rear on turns while at speed and I'm a bit confused what it might be. It almost sounds like a clunk that happens on bumps when your end links are worn out, but it doesn't happen on bumps.

 

he hasnt logged in for 9 months

 

The car is still making the same sound, slip, etc. I am pretty sure the differential is the problem. Have not addresses issue because lack of money, and the fact it does not make any noises, etc. when going straight.

 

All the steps to diagnose the issue are in this thread. Did the car always show this behavior, or did it recently start? If you're in a parking lot, does the clunk occur when turning both left and right? These questions help winnow the possibilities down to aftermarket/welded diff from the prior owner, or failing cv axle.

(not sure how my tone comes across here, I'm legitimately trying to be helpful here - hate seeing a z down)