evolved8

First off I've posted this on the infiniti site as well, but since they're mechanically similar I figured I'd post it here as well.

Hi I have a 2003 Infiniti G35 that I just bought. There is a ticking or light clunking sound coming from the drivers side(can't pinpoint if its front or rear wheel area yet, but leaning towards the rear) anyhow wasn't noticed while in the car, but with windows rolled down it's noticeable. I have no idea when the sound started or how long it's been going on.

The sound is more apparent at low speeds but I believe it's still there at faster speeds. There is no shaking at all in the wheel, and the car feels and drives great.
I'm thinking wheel bearing? Or I read something about a compression rod bearing? How can I check those things and any other ideas? Thanks!

Also if someone has an iPhone or email address, I can take a quick video with my iPhone and send it to them to better hear/understand the issue.

I will paypal someone $10.. Lol I know it's not a lot but still.. For the first correct answer on what it is.

stein

iTrader: (3)

I don't own an iPhone but can't you upload the video to some file share site and post it here?

Frosty87

iTrader: (4)

Is it all the time...only when turning....miles on your car

R350Zz33

iTrader: (4)

jack up the car and try and move the wheel side to side at 12 and 6 and 3&9 thats how you can check the wheel hub

bmccann101

iTrader: (16)

known issue for rear bearings making clicking noises, usually only noticeable at low speeds for most, like in a parking lot....replace bearing and seal shims w updated parts and youre set.

google 350z bearing click

evolved8

80k miles. And it appeared all the time. Doesn't change when turning I don't believe.
I'll post a video on YouTube in a bit. I've only driven the car 30-40 miles thus far.

Frosty87

iTrader: (4)

I'd imagine its the bearing as stated above

DaveJackson

iTrader: (5)

Small chance it could be the inner fender guard on the front. If it's partially broken, it could drag but the wind at higher speeds could move it away from the wheel.
Bearings are best described as a growl or a howling sound that intensifies when you steer one direction. The famous "tire feathering" sounds a lot like bearings but it is speed dependent. Not sure if G's have feathering issues.

ridered929rr

iTrader: (8)

Anyone get the $10?

Czarrr

iTrader: (4)

I think I have this problem too. I also haven't pin pointed it to wether it's the front or the rear.

But does the sound like a very slight grinding / whistling noise?
It's noticeable at low MPH up to about... 30? I'm almost positive the noise is still there no matter what speed I drive.
I'm also at the 80k mile area.

evolved8

Ok update.. Drove the car a little more today. Nobody has gotten the $10 as I'm 700 miles from home
Where I picked up the car and headed back soon to "figure out and fix" the problem. Anyhow it is 100% coming from the rear driver side wheel.
A person from the G forum located here http://g35driver.com/forums/g35-coup...heel-area.html
Mentioned a rear axle click which I looked up and it could be.. Still could be the bearing as stated above. Also could be something else

I've noticed it will on occasion go a way for 20-30 seconds if I come to a stop/turn.
I also don't notice it at all when turning slowly.
I'm still going to post a video shortly and jack the car up to see if the wheel moves just haven't had a chance.

I can better describe the sound as if you were riding a bike when you're a kid. And u put a baseball card in the spokes to make that cool sound.
Except louder.
Let me know if you guys have anymore ideas. Does the axle click happen ALL the time?

evolved8

Ok jacked the car up and there is ZERO play in the wheel from 12-6 o'clock or 3-9. Wheel feels 100% firm and the same as the passenger side.. So I think that rules out the wheel bearings being bad. Plus the car feels 100% fine while driving.. No vibrations or anything like that.

evolved8

Car has 80k miles and there's no nail in the tires as someone mentioned

Also forgot to mention that the only mods on the car are some different struts. Can't remember what they said. Something like torco?.. Or Starts with T and there's an R in the name
And it's lowered about an inch (I believe springs)

e46330i

Have you been able to check the drive shaft to make sure everything looks intact? lowered cars sometimes tear a boot or pop a band on the drive shaft, causing some rubbing. You'd notice it almost immediately if you look.

Also - just because there's no play in the wheel.. doesn't rule out the bearing. No play in the wheel just means the bearing is tight. We've replaced several Z bearings here in the shop that were tight, but had the clicking.

Check the axle nut and cotter pin too. If the cotter pin is missing or loose you might have a rub/wobble associated with speed. Double check to make sure the axle nut is threaded tight and correctly.

AJCaron12

That does not rule out the wheel bearing. Just because wheel bearings have no play in them does not mean they can still be bad.

Czarrr

iTrader: (4)

That sounds kind of sketchy

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Inspect the tire closely. There is a nail or bolt in the tread.

evolved8

Alright here's a quick video at low speeds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN1ykzC8kZM

evolved8

Driveshaft and axle boot looks clean and intact. No chance to look at the cotter pin yet.

Tire throughly inspected. Free of anything

e46330i

My money is still on the bearing.