rear diff clunking on hard acceleration

[johnnyz]

I just bought an 06 manual 350z and noticed that when taking off from intersection that the rear end seems to be clunking or slipping or something. It wont let the wheels spin and with tcs off. It did seem to spin the wheels the other day but was turning at the time and got a little sideways. Is this normal?

[Ace2cool]

Is it just one clunk? Or multiple at the same time? Sounds like either bad diff mounts or wheel hop.

[johnnyz]

It is multiple cluncks like wheel hop, but why so nasty sounding. Sounds like a** end coming apart. I better be more gentle till I figure this out. So in a strait line it should spin the tires with no noises? Not sure whats going on in there and it is the enthusiast model so thought maybe was normal for diff to lock un-lock rapidly. Please help

[johnnyz]

Well I put a jack under diff and raised it a little and rear bushing is toast, the silicone is leaking out even. So what is my next step? I don't want to buy whole sub frame, is urethane bushing the answer and how about installation? is it very difficult?

[BusyBadger]

Sorry it's a problem that brought you here JZ, but we're glad you're here!

I'm glad you got things sorted out, well...figured out, on your own. When I read what was going on I didn't think it had anything to do with your differential, the stock unit in the Z is a viscous unit, once it goes it just acts like an open diff, It's just a big ball of goo...no moving parts in it to really clunk around.

As far as aftermarket bushings go if you're going to go with urethane (what just about everyone goes with when the stock ones go) I'd suggest either Energy Suspension or Whiteline. Both are great brands that have been in the suspension game for years and should be available from some of the NICO's advertisers. I've ordered some things from both Enjuku and FRSport and been happy each time I used them. You can also go solid aluminium, but it's going to be a harsher ride with lots of road noise and vibration coming through. The only company I know of that makes aluminium bushings for the Z is SPL Parts.

Welcome to NICO!

[johnnyz]

Do you think this bushing is the cause of the heavy slamming/wheel hop BB? I now the bushing is bad but could there be other issues as well?

[Ace2cool]

Oh there's no doubt. That's your issue for sure.

[BusyBadger]

I'm going to agree with Ace with the caveat that it might not be your only problem. Given the age of your car it probably is, but even if it's not it certainly sounds like it's the biggest problem.

Keep us posted on what you do and what that does for your Z.

[Ace2cool]

Lol. Talking about "age of the car" and here I am standing in the corner with a '91, lmao.

[johnnyz]

Well I hope it is the only problem. I have already ordered the bushings and do own a ball joint press so I don't think it will be a major repair, was hoping to press out the rear with sub frame in the car. wish me luck

[BusyBadger]

Cool cool... I'm former military so I have a "plan for the worst, hope for the best" mentality.

[johnnyz]

yes BB I think the same way. I'm a realist