Have an 05 Roadster, 17K miles. I hear a noise like a chain dragging on the ground, only hear it when shifting/accelerating from a stop, ok, maybe radio is too loud and it makes the same noise in other gears, but very noticeable in R, 1st or 2nd. The car runs fine, no performance probs, did have the clutch replaced 2 years ago, probably not even 2500 miles on the clutch; and didn't hear this noise after the clutch was replaced. It literally sounds like a chain is dragging on the street and last for only a few seconds. No pattern to the noise, sometimes there, other times now. I thought something loose with Borla exhaust, not so, all is tight. Ideas ?
Thanks !
-Larry

 

You need a new wheel bearing. Just happened to me and when we pulled the bearing from the hub you could see all the shavings from the bad bearing hence the chain dragging sound. You need to figure out which wheel it is coming from, go to a enclosed parking garage and drive with someone with their head out the window.

The part is $148 from Nissan and is 3.5 hours for the shop to change the bearing. I did mine with a buddy and had another shop press out the bearing for us. Took about 2 hours when all was said and done.

The estimate from nissan with labor was $424 tax included. I am 100% positive as I had the exact description to my buddy who is a mechanic.

 

"...drive with someone with their head out the window."

Just put the top down. It's a roadster.

Wow!! Only 2500 miles in two years? And I thought mine didn't get driven much.

 

Didn't catch the roadster part. BFD out the top or out the window

 

A wheel bearing at 17K miles ?

 

Confirmed by Nissan dealer rear axles had to be pulled, lubed and bolts replaced per TSB. Dealer was not cooperative, Nissan customer service delayed the repair almost a week, but did split the bill 50/50. Only got to drive it twice before put to sleep for the winter.