My '08 350Z track car has had constant problems with the drivers side axle. I have taken it to 5 track events and every time i have had trouble with the drivers side axle. It either comes apart or the boot gets torn. sometimes its the inner and sometimes it the outer. Its not consistent, the only thing consistent is its always the drivers side. I am at a loss as to what to do. The last time I put a new OEM axle in and it made it through a two day event, but this past weekend a one day at barbers resulted in a torn outer boot. HELP

 

Welcome- track day events obviously put more stress on driveline components. But Z33 rear axles are usually not a problem if installed properly. Who installed the LR axle the last time it was replaced?

 

I have installed them each time. seems pretty straight forward. what could i be doing wrong?
Thanks

 

Something very wrong is allowing the LR axle to stretch beyond its limit. I can't say what it is without a physical inspection, but I'd recheck everything from the rear suspension and even the wheel bearing in addition to the axle installation. Might be worthwhile to hire a trained Nissan tech to take a look and get a second opinion at this point.

Let us know what you find!

 

Driver axle on this platform always seems to be the one to go when this issue pops up.

My guess is you are too low and/or your spring rate is too soft for your grip level.

What are your spring rates, static ride height?

 

Oh and what tires...

 

Thanks for your input.
I'm not sure how to measure the static ride height but I'm pretty sure it's lower than normal. i have attached a few photos of the setup and a picture of some extra springs I got with the car. The tires are Perrelli P-zero slicks(Scrubs).

She is low!

 

Nice pics.

At 120 N/mm, you are at the minimum rate id be running on those tires...those rates are well suited for the grip of an RE71 or NT01...but once you go up to an RR/Hoosier/Pirelli a corresponding re-valve and stiffer springs all around are welcome. Your setup must feel soft! No biggie, it teaches you to be smooth...

But I can tell immediately from the first pic you are too low for your grip level and springs. Upping your ride height will solve your problem 100%. I had the same issue when I was running almost identical rates as you fyi...

 

Thanks for the input. I do appreciate it.
Now let me be a rookie and ask.
What should the ride height be? how do I adjust it? and How is it measured?

Could I use one of the other sets of springs and leave the ride height where it is?

Thanks again for taking the time to give me advice.

 

No worries, happy holidays.

Even though its not the "correct" way, most people and even the FSM specify ride height from the ground to top of the middle of the fender arch. Keep in mind this number may change depending on the wheel and tire combo used, but has worked well enough for me. Right now I am just over 26" ground to fender in the rear with 275/35/18 RRs and do not have issues with my axle boots tearing.

You would adjust your height using the threaded perches in the rear, which are actually bottomed out in your pic...which is good bc that means you can raise it up without changing a thing, just lower the threaded perch which will raise the car. You could also mark the perch before you adjust so you can return to your previous ride height if desired.