Took my 07 350Z (touring) into the dealership today for an alignment (just purchased 4 new tires).

They aligned my car, BUT also told me that the technician recommends, "replace the rear differential bushing (torn, leaking out fluid) w/Nissan OEM only comes with rear suspension crossmember, EST $1416.00 or can purchase solid aftermarket busshing(sic)and have **dealership name** install for $330.00."

Below is a pic of the area they say needed repair. Can anyone tell me what the RED circled area is called - - the one in front of the differential? That is the place that is "leaking" and the blue area is "evidence" of the leak. Please note I wiped off some of the "leak" in order to determine the severity of the "leak."


Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

That's the rear differential bushing, just like they said.

You can replace it with a solid bushing like lots of people on the forum have done. You can probably find several threads about the procedure.

That's really sad to see a part like that fail so early. Is there anything unusual about how the car has been driven to account for the early failure? How may miles are on the car?

 

Winchman, thank you for your reply. I purchased by Z new in the summer of 07 and it currently has 86.5k miles on it. As far as driving goes.... I don't mistreat my baby. I may drop the pedal to pass, but thats about it.

I had another ASC mechanic look at it for a second opinion and he tells me that he does not believe anything is wrong with it. He stated I would know if something was wrong with the differential (noise or possibly shaking), and "someone" may have sprayed the area to appear damaged. I just don't know who to believe. Like I said, I wiped down the area pretty good and will monitor it for new "evidence of leaks." I figure thats the only way I am going to know for sure.

Thank you again.

 

It looks like you do have a leaky rear diff bushing. It is a common issue with our cars. Your diff is not leaking and the bushing leaking will not make your diff whine. Search a little and you will find several threads on here about rear diff bushing leaking and how to replace them.

 

A fluid-filled bushing is somewhat unusual. I think the ones at the front of the differential are just rubber.

I remember one thread where the aluminum rear suspension cross-member split when the bushing was removed. He had to get someone to weld up the crack.

86K miles is pretty high for an '07. I'm not quite so disappointed now.

Maybe this thread will help.
https://my350z.com/forum/suspension/...-bushings.html

 

You will eventually get the drip get some solid bushings in there, you will be fine...they're worth it, and the cars are already loud as hell, least mine is, so you wont notice the change in sounds or ride....lol, then you can look forward to the squeaks from the others and get the whitelines for them...hahah its happy maintenance well deserved....ps not being a dick, just pointing out obv, ive already done mine...same reason