I am new to the 280z world so forgive my ignorance. But I noticed this morning that there is a slight hum or whine in the rear of the car. I wasn't sure if this was normal due to the low gears or if there was a rear end problem.

It is automatic and I noticed the noise during all phases of driving. Is this normal?

 

Just to clarify, you have a 280ZX not a 280Z right?

Did this sound just appear, or has it always been there?

 

You are right, it is a ZX. As far as the noise goes, the thing is i have owned but for a few weeks and this is only the second time I have driven it, so i don't know if it has been there all along or not.

 

If its a low hum like a vibration then it could be a u-joint...

 

a hum CAN signify the rear end is wearing away. if its only a little. i wouldnt worry about it, maybe check and change the diff fluid (if you can they really retarded up the fill plug on these cars) and see what happens. i suppose it could also be from a wheel bearing though so i would try to make sure its coming from the diff and not a wheel first. if it is infact the diff. not much you can do other than what i said and listen for any other odd noises it might be making or if it gets louder.

if it isnt a hum and is a vibration then it could be something else like someone above me said, but usually it will be accompanied by a clunking when starting off in first or going from reverse to first or vise versus

 

What about a clunk on every gear change going forward, or when just hitting the gas going forward?

Might want to check your diff mount to see if its worn out, then you could really hear the diff

 

Didn't hear any clunking.

 

i didnt mention that because if there was clunking i would have assumed he would have mentioned it. and he just there verified that thought. probably a bearing, but if you can change the diff fluid and hope for the best. also like i said, try to make sure it isn't a wheel bearing thats making the noise.

 

Does the hum kinda sound like a buzz? Or does it sound like a metal ball rolling on a thick sheet of metal?

 

We need a GOOD video or sound clip if we're ever going to get anywhere. It's pretty hard to diagnose a sound problem by typing it out in a forum.

 

true... but im not worried about it if its LIGHT like he says. probably a worn bearing. hopefully not one fallin apart.

 

if its a whine when your slowing down thats just the sound of these old trans... get used to it

 

^ ^ ^ That is the sort of info I am looking for. That is exactly what it sounds like, but it also does it when you speed up. Same thing????

 

hey guys. I been experiencing the same kind of noise at the rear end. Its like a vibration when accelerating from every gear. It suddenly wasnt making that noise today when I was driving home and it felt so much better. It actually felt like I had more power, but that could be just because I could hear the engine better without the vibration making me feel like i got some extra power.

Really i got no experience, so any help appreciated.

 

Only driven 2 times - drive more