I have a 1986 300ZX NA with the five speed transmission. When driving the vehicle if I release the clutch quickly (as in any stick I've driven) the rear end clunks, if I baby the clutch the noise isn't there. I thought it could be one of many things so far I've decided it could be:

• The subframe bushing
• The rear struts
• Transmission mounts
• Or rear axle

Is there any way to test what the issue is? Is the rear end an axle or a cv joint? I had to get it inspected yesterday and I had my mechanic look at the subframe bushings while it was on the lift and they looked fine. We also checked for driveshaft wiggle and noise when the tires spun and there was none. I'm just not sure how to begin diagnosing it which is uncommon because usually I can figure out the issues with my cars rather quickly thanks in advance.

 

Maybe its the pilot bushing or the diff! Hard to say! Good luck. Could be any thing, like a lose gas tank!

 

get under the car and grab. that's the easiest way to confirm.

 

im having the same issue i cant find anything that is broken or really loose im thinking it has to be a halfshaft or the diff but im thinking it shouldnt be the diff

 

Seems like an old differential to me... Might wanna check that first...

 

My first thought is the rear differential mount insulator.

 

what would be easiest way to check the diff i have some play with car up and spinning the wheels maybe 1/2 inch or so when spinning one wheel before the other starts to spin also but i figured that it would be a warn cv axel even though the boots are intact

 

btw i believe it to be a non lsd and its a 87 non turbo all stock

 

If both wheels turn then that means you have a LSD.

Just take a look at the rubber bushing/mount on the rear of the diff where it attaches to the car, that's what usually goes bad and causes a clunk.

 

by both wheels turning i meant that on jack stands in gear they bot turn and the have some play and is it possible that someone could post a picture of what the diff mounts are supposed to look like cause i throughly believe mine are more than likely the cause

also does anyone else have issues with the site working on a mobile

 

The most common source of the clunk (IMO) is the subframe bushings. If you can grab stuff and it doesn't move, then that really points to those. Diff mount is simple to remove and reinstall if it's okay.

 

Thanks az i have no forceable movement but the bushing looks toast im assuming that i will have to pull the axels correct and most of the suspension also

 

To remove the diff mount? No.

 

I'm not sure if it is specifically a wheel/brake problem but it could be your rear sway bar/end-link.

 

Yeah, I'd say worn out differential mounts. Nissan still sells them, I think, calls them 'insulators.' $45+? Aftermarket is cheaper and OK too. Easy to check out if you lift the rear end and look behind the rear wheel. The hard rubber cylinder inside the ring gets chewed up over time. If the clunk is more of a loud click, could be drive shaft uni joint. Can get a new drive shaft around here for about $120. Nissan wanted $600 for it! :-(

 

My 86 turbo had the same problem and it was the SUBFRAME BUSHINGS