My '13 6MT sedan (52k miles) recently started making a clunking noise in the rear while shifting hard. It happens mostly between 1st and 2nd, but I can also hear it between all gears (lessens the higher up in gear I go). If I shift conservatively, it won't make the noise. At first I thought it was something in the trunk rattling around, but today I took everything out and it's still making that noise.

I tried searching this forum but can't find anything. I Google searched and found two common possibilities, albeit for different cars.

1. Rear differential
2. Sub-frame bushings

Anyone else ever experience this? Thoughts? I'm going to take it into my mechanic, but I figured I'd throw it out there for discussion here.

 

The main diff bushing is fluid filled, and according to this forum it's a point of failure. When it "fails" it will slowly ooze fluid forever, and become increasingly compromised. There's no immediate emergency here... you can drive on it like that for as long as you're willing to put up with it.

Whiteline sells a replacement diff bushings kit for about $100. These are solid poly bushings, and an upgrade over the OEM parts. However, a shop will charge you up to half a day for the install, because its a really awkward and time consuming job. Infiniti/Nissan won't replace the bushing, but they will replace the entire subframe component and charge you a small fortune for it all.

Not saying this is your problem... but I bet it is. G'luck.

 

Here's the link to the Whiteline thread.

https://www.myg37.com/forums/d-i-y-i...-bushings.html

There is a discussion in regards to the orientation of the front bushing. So if this is your problem and you go this route to resolve it, it's highly recommended that you read through this thread.

There may be other threads as well, so a search on Whiteline is also advisable (if this is your issue that is).

 

If it's the differential bushing, is that easily diagnosed? Or do I replace it and just hope that's it?

 

There would be bushing splooge dripping down your diff casing. Spots under the car where you typically park. Lots of pics of this online here. IIRC, LegoManiac had his replaced recently, and was driving on it blown for a while.

 

And is this the kit?
https://www.z1motorsports.com/suspen...37-p-5801.html

 

That's it. Had mine installed last week. Pope mentioned installing the two side bushings in opposite orientation to the instructions. I found that info too, before the install, and is how I went.

 

I just read through that thread that Pope linked to, and I only see something about flipping the top and bottom "washers" if you're a 6MT owner. Is that what you're referring to? Seems like some guys are left with some parts unused and others use them all, depending on if they have an auto or 6MT. Or am I missing something?

Edit: Found another thread where you guys discussed switching the thicker bushing to the top position. I'll be sure to talk to my mechanic about that. Now about this "carrier bearing..."

 

So I'm assuming this means it's indeed my differential? Lol.



Rochester in regards to the gears, any advantage to doing them along with the differential? Meaning is there an overlap in parts that have to come off? Just wondering if I should pull the trigger now on the gears to save on install cost. I would prefer more time to think about it though.

 

^^That confirms it. Did you by chance buy any extended warranty? That would cover it too. The dealership fix is to replace the entire rear subframe assembly.

 

I did not. Too many modifications, they'd weasel their way out. Plus I'm liking the sound of solid bushings back there. I was getting wheel hop prior to this, hoping this takes care of both issues.

 

is there a way you can make a video of that sound?

 

This issue isn't limited to the mt cars - all variants use the same bushing back there. Age and environment definitely contribute to its deterioration. Driving style too. Hard acceleration and shifting load and unload the bushing with greater force than normal shifting. Eventually the rubber fails and bursts.

 

I'd probably have to have someone sit in back to take the video, because there are so many other sounds that would drown it out in a video (exhaust, engine, road noise). But just imagine someone dropping a weight inside the trunk. That's the best way I can describe it.

That said, the best way to diagnose this is to just look underneath the car, as others here suggested. This has probably been a problem for a while now, as I can remember getting wheel hope for over a year. I thought I was just doing something weird with the clutch.

 

This definitely describes me lol.