Drivetrain Click - Need Help Diagnosing

[ncuster]

My 2003 G35 AT Coupe has developed a clicking in the drivetrain. My car does not have the viscious (sp?) limited slip diff. I'm right at 65k miles.

It is most noticeable when I put my car into reverse as I pull out of garage. There is one click when the car goes into gear, and then a second when I give the car gas. I hear the click also when I downshift in manual mode.

I would describe the click as sounding like when you pop a snapple cap inside out if that helps.

It sounds as if it is coming from the rear differential, but could be from the transmission. Could there be some play in the differential that is causing this? Low fluid level? I have no leaks.

Does anyone have any ideas here?

Thanks for any help.

[Sentientbydesign]

Welcome.

You have a common problem and the dealership should be able to fix it for you. Your axles need to be lubed and retorqued.

[ncuster]

Thanks for the info.

Is this an urgent issue?

Any idea how much they usually charge for this?

[tollboothwilley]

70,000 powertrain warranty....doesn't this fall under that?

[SteveTheTech]

This is a relatively common, it is not a safety issue it has to do with torque application and release on the rear axle.

Nate is pretty much spot on. There is a defined procedure to remove and apply a molycoat grease to the thread spline (to eliminate any future noise) and there are new bolts for the driveshafts that are recommended (they have Lock-tite on them are replaced because they transfer all of the power). Some people do just tighten the axle nuts to stop it, this works for a little while and can remedy the issue but it's not the ideal repair.

As for what they will charge, I do not know they all set there own prices.