I have a preordered 2003 Performance model with 33,000 miles and have noticed a metal clanking sound over the past few months.

I'm not sure when this clanking began, but I only hear it if my windows are rolled down and I'm near a brick wall or object that resonates the sound. The clanking sounds like two heavy metal objects hitting each other which occurs only when I accelerate from a standstill. If during this initial acceration I go over a speed bump or change my acceration rate, the clanking reoccurs. At speeds above 10-15mph, no clanking sound is heard.

I took my car into Huntington Beach Nissan in CA and the service representative (Peter) said that this clanking sound is from a poorly fitting bearing in the rear axle. He stated that this is a common problem and ordered a replacement bearing. Later this week I will drop off my car for a day for a axle overhaul. I'll keep you guys posted.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

My previous 2 350's had the same issue. My first one an 03 had it and the second one an early 04 had it as well. My current one is a later 04 and does not have it. But yes there where TSB's for that issue. They never tried it on mines since by the time they found the cause I was on my 3rd Z already. Good luck. If it doesnt work with the bearing repair then let me know I will look for the another TSB where adjusting something inside the wheelwell fixes it too. Let me know!

 

I have the same problem. I have a 03 silver 350z Track Edition. Please let me know how everything had gone after the overhaul andlet me know about Huntington Beach Nissan's service, Thanks.

 

lots of us having the same issue. There is a TSB# for this. For those that have this problem, bring your car in, they will replace the rear axles join. Even 05 car have this problem too (once you pass 8K miles)

 

Where is this TSB?

 

NTB04065

IF YOU CONFIRM: A "clicking" noise is coming from the left and/or right rear axle when accelerating from a stop. ACTION: 1. Determine if the noise is coming from one side or both sides. 2. Replace the Outer Axle Joint(s) and the Wheel Bearing(s). · If the noise is coming from only one side, replace parts on only one side. · If the noise is coming from both sides, replace parts on both sides. · Refer to section RAX in the Service Manual (ESM) for replacement instructions. See this bulletin for further detail.

 

What is the worst that can happen if gone unrepaired?

 

Thanks bubble.

 

I have the same problem. I am bringing it in to be addressed this Thrusday. I am going to bring the TSB info with me so that I can show it to them and hopefully help speed up the diagnosis proccess.

http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ownershi.../NTB04-065.htm

 

I have a 03' Touring with 34k and it had this problem too. Brought it into the dealer and it took them 3 weeks to get the bearing and axle joints. They only replaced the passenger side and the noise is gone.

 

On 6/30/05 I went into Nissan HB for an oil change and mentioned the clicking from the rear axle and they ordered the parts. On July 5th I got a call from Peter at Nissan HB informing me that the parts had arrived. On July 6th I dropped my car off at 9AM and it was ready at 5PM. No more clicking or play in the rear axle. Overall it was a very pleasant and painless experience.

Roughdragon, if you are planning to get it fixed, talk to Peter in the service department. He is very competent and knowledgable for a service manager.

take care,
Anil

 

isn't this the engine hitting the bar above it?

 

No the engine hitting the strut bar would be felt in a form of vibration that would be always present. I recently had that too after I installed my kinetix plenum but problem was solved with a crawford strut bar.

 

i see. my engine kinda clunk and rattle sometimes when car is ideling. is this the strut bar? it really worries me, but it looks like many ppl here have the same problem, so i gave up on it.