Drivetrain - Rear Axle Clicking On Acceleration

Classification:
RA04-001b

Reference:
NTB04-065b

Date:
November 9, 2005

2003-2005 350Z; CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR AXLES

This bulletin has been amended. The Service Procedure has been revised.

No other content has been changed. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLE:
2003 - 2005 350Z (Z33) Coupe and Roadster

IF YOU CONFIRM:

A "clicking" noise is coming from the left and/or right rear axle (driveshaft) when accelerating from a stop,

ACTION:

1. Determine if the noise is coming from one side or both sides.

^ If the noise is coming from only one side, perform the Service Procedure on only one side.

^ If the noise is coming from both sides, perform the Service Procedure on both sides.

2. Remove the driveshaft, clean the flange surface of the outer joint on the driveshaft and apply a moderate coat of Molykote M77 grease.

NOTE:
This is the only approved service procedure to repair this incident.

IMPORTANT:
The purpose of "ACTIONS" (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire Service Procedure as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Determine if the noise is coming from one side or both sides.

^ If the noise is coming from only one side, perform procedure on only one side.

^ If the noise is coming from both sides, perform procedure on both sides.

2. Remove the rear axle (driveshaft).

^ Refer to section RAX in the Service Manual for the driveshaft removal information.

^ IMPORTANT: Make sure to mark the driveshaft and hub as shown in Figure 1 before removing the driveshaft.





Put a mark on the end of the driveshaft and a matching mark on the hub as shown in Figure 1.

NOTE:
These marks will be used when reinstalling the driveshaft.





3. Clean the flange surface of the outer joint of the driveshaft and apply a moderate coat of Molykote M77 grease (see Figure 2a and 2b).

^ Molykote M77 grease is listed in the Parts Information.





4. Re-install the driveshaft in reverse order of removal, making sure to:

a. Install the driveshaft 1800 from the position it was removed.

Use the marks you made in step 2.

b. Tighten the center locknut to 240 N-m (24.5 kg-m, 177 ft-lb).

If the center locknut is over tightened, the incident may re-occur.

IMPORTANT:
DO NOT use a power tool (impact wrench) to tighten the center locknut.

c. Install new side flange bolts, nuts, and washers.

^ Tighten them to 63 - 79 Nm (6.5 - 8.0 kg-m, 47 - 58 ft-lb).

^ Side flange bolts, nuts and washers are listed in the Parts Information.

5. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the clicking noise is gone.





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