Let me start by saying I've already read all of the past threads about the rattling and none of them fit mine to a T. I have a 2008 350Z Enthusiast with 18k on it. I have had alot of problems out of it since buying it with 13k (tire pressure sensors replaced multiple times, Wheels replaced due to hairline cracks in them, transmission replaced, hatch struts replaced, right rear suspension strut replaced, window motor replaced.) I have taken it now 4-5 times for this loud rattling in the rear of the car. When they replaced the strut in the rear it went away for about a week and then started back louder than ever so I took it back and they put foam in behind some body panels in the trunk and greased the hatch dampeners near the hatch struts and that made it mostly go away for 2 days then again it returned loud as ever but mostly on the driver's side rear (already had the right rear suspension strut replaced remember.) I myself spent 2 hours on it a few days ago putting felt dots and pieces of weather stripping in behind and between anything I could possibly think of and still have this damn rattle. I even went down the road with my girlfriend in the trunk to pinpoint where it was coming from and she says it's coming from just outside the left rear wheel well which to me screams suspension. I'm at a complete loss and I've tried everything I can think of outside of hiring a lawyer. Please help Because I can't take driving a new 350z hoopty any longer.

 

sorry for the gremlin, but no pics of the GF in the trunk equals EPIC FAIL!

 

I have a 2008 Enthusiast as well and had the rattling problem as well. Could never figure out what it was until something told me to check the spare tire. It wasn't even screwed in the middle. Made sure the big screw was tight. No more rattling since

 

Please be more specific, this could be a number of things.

 

You my friend definately got yourself a keeper lmao.

 

I've checked to make sure everything is tight inside of the cabin as well as put extra padding under and behind everything that could be rattling in back (all interior panels, spare, jack, and hatch) When she was in the trunk she said the sound is definitely coming from the other side of the wheel wells. They replaced the right rear strut under warranty a few weeks ago but in under a week the rattle was back and then started on the drivers side as well. Which if it is the fork on the bottom of the strut problem where the hole is way to big for the bolt then a factory replacement strut under warranty will change nothing correct? Oh and there's the whole strut gasket problem I guess it could be (gasket between strut and body). Oh and it is definitely louder when colder outside. If I replace the struts with aftermarket ones will it stop? I'm at a crossroads where if I or the dealership can't figure out something soon and fix it I'm either going to get rid of it or go after the lemon law with a lawyer because the magnitude of this rattling shadows my love for this car. And yes she's def a keeper lol

 

Oh and one more detail. It does not rattle at highway speeds but from 5 to 40 or so it only takes a dip in the road or a road joint and it's loud as hell. God forbid you go over any railroad tracks or rough road because then it sounds like the rear of the car is going to fall off. I would say it sounds like metal on metal rattling from the outside rear corners of the car.

 

Damn...I have a 2005 and my window motor went out once..replaced the hatch shocks with some heavy duty ones 2 yrs ago - been fixed ever since.

Your tranny already went out? dang man..

 

Sounds like the previous owner did a number on your Z. I had a similar rattle recently as I was using some temporary coilovers while I was getting ready to have my KW's rebuilt. The temp rears physically looked fine, but the insides of them were shot. Just the slightest movement of the piston inside caused loud rattles which carried throughout the car. At higher speeds, the noise was drowned out and not nearly noticeable.

So my suggestion is to replace the remaining original strut and also have the rear end links and sway bar brackets checked.

 

"What the hell is rattling in my rear?"

Sorry but I

 

Omg +1