Rear Suspension Noise

[Rykster]

I need some help in identifying a noise coming from the rear of my '07 M35. When I go over a bump or any barely rough surface, I hear a sort of "clunk" or rattle coming from the rear. Any idea what it could be? A bushing maybe? Thanks for your help.

[seldomseen]

Suspension noise is a bad carry-over problem with the Infiniti brand. The noise can be a multitude of things such as: bad struts, bad end-links, cracked springs, old bushings, cross member, control arms, tie rod, etc.

You will need to get the car on a lift to help isolate the noise. Also try removing the back seat or have someone sit in the back seat to listen carefully to the sound to help pin-point the exact location. The fix may be a simple one, or could be costly.

[ncm35s]

I've had a rattle coming from the rear of the car as well. I took the car once in already and they replaced the right rear strut. It did not solve the noise issue. I've taken everything out of my trunk, including the spare and still hear it. Not sure exactly where the noise is coming from but could be the suspension. I have an appointment tomorrow at dealership; will update on what comes out. FYI, have 2008 M35S with only 45,000 miles. Still under warranty but not too happy about rattle.

[seldomseen]

That's the major issue with suspension noise from Infiniti, it's never really any one particular thing. Several Infiniti and Nissan models are affected by suspension noise and costly, premature suspension problems.

[ncm35s]

OK, had the dealership listen the the "rattle" coming from the rear/trunk area. The tech rode with me and immediately said it was the rear struts. Had both replaced under warranty. It did take care of the rattle. Hopefully these will hold up longer than the first (45k miles).

[seldomseen]

OK, had the dealership listen the the "rattle" coming from the rear/trunk area. The tech rode with me and immediately said it was the rear struts. Had both replaced under warranty. It did take care of the rattle. Hopefully these will hold up longer than the first (45k miles).

[JJ35x]

Timely conversation. Wife's 08 35x has started thunking from the rear. After $120. labor charge on last visit dealer said it was spare tire hardware yet problem came back in 2 days. I've done the backseat thing but can't nail it down. I told the wife that we should drive around slowly with me in the trunk (an invitation that most wives would jump at you'd think!) but she refuses to do it. She keeps her care absolutely pristine - we could it back on the showroom floor - so this rattle really pisses her off. I'll have to press them on the struts but the car is of course out of warranty. Could be a bummer.

[seldomseen]

Did the dealership credit back the $120 you spent?

[JJ35x]

No, not yet. We've also not been back to them since but they will get a visit from us shortly. Their location isn't exactly on our daily loop so we try to minimize our visits and get service done when regular visits are being made. This might require a special call.
Other than this issue, and their having replaced almost all of the wood trim inserts in the car's interior from warping, the car has been outstanding.

[wingFeather]

I noticed the trunk lid makes a rattle when I pressed down on it while waxing today. Maybe the noise you hear is the top of the trunk?

[ncm35s]

Timely conversation. Wife's 08 35x has started thunking from the rear. After $120. labor charge on last visit dealer said it was spare tire hardware yet problem came back in 2 days. I've done the backseat thing but can't nail it down. I told the wife that we should drive around slowly with me in the trunk (an invitation that most wives would jump at you'd think!) but she refuses to do it. She keeps her care absolutely pristine - we could it back on the showroom floor - so this rattle really pisses her off. I'll have to press them on the struts but the car is of course out of warranty. Could be a bummer.

I remember the tech who rode with me to hear the rattle mention something about a bushing that just needs lubricating. But since I was under warranty, he said they would just replace the whole strut. You may want to talk with the technician (not the service managers) and see what he says.

[JJ35x]

ncm...... I appreciate the idea. I'll take a copy of this thread with me when the car goes in next.