Rumbling noise!

[spunkeemunkee]

Hi, As a recent first purchaser of a 260z 2+2 my knowledge is still a little limited! However i'm wondering if anybody can help with this small problem. When i am accelerating i can hear a rumbling noise that seems to be either coming from under the dash or under the car, it is not there when I am stationary and tends to quiten when I decelerate. Has anybody had anything like this? could it be the speedo? I took it to a mechanic and he just gave me a blank stare!

[Zeddophile]

rumbling noise could possibly be a wheel bearing.... Hard to suggest anything else without being able to hear it.

[spunkeemunkee]

Thanks for the quick reply, I guess this may be a good place to start, It kinda gets louder when you get it up to 60kph or so, would you or anyone else suggest the best place to get wheel bearing for a z/ thanks again

[Toecutter]

I got a set for the front from a local bearing shop just near Keys Rd in Moorabin. Try Repco or Bursons. I'm sure you can get them quite easily. To check em jack the car up at the end the noise is coming from you should be able to feel a bit of side to side movement when you grab the wheel/tyre and feel for play if you know what I mean!?

[Zeddophile]

I find it better to grab the top and bottom of the wheel, and check from play from that angle - if you grab the sides on front wheels, you may be feeling freeplay in the steering. You will definitely feel it rock if the wheel bearing is badly worn. Since its speed related, other faults could possibly be a noisy rear diff, or seized tailshaft uni - or even a gearbox bearing. Definitely suggests driveline related at any rate. Wheel bearings are easy to check, so start there I guess.

 

I actually have a pair of wheel bearings in my garage, brand new and unfitted (Bursons brand). Not sure whether they are front or rear though (or if there is even a difference!)

[gav240z]

Hi Ben, yes front and rear wheel bearings are different on the Z at least they are on a 240z and I'm 99% sure that means 260z and 280z also.

 

The rear has an inner and outer bearing, while the front has a single bearing.

 

As suggested, I'd check drive train items such as uni joints on the tailshaft(s) or possibly an unbalanced tyre.

 

Do you get any vibrations with this grumbling? Gearbox bearings will cause a grumble while driving are you auto or manual?

[spunkeemunkee]

Hi, Thanks heaps for everyones time and interest in trying to get this thing sorted. It is a 77 260z 2+2 auto, fairly clean as it only had one owner up until 2 weeks ago when i purchased it! Regards, dave

[C.A.R.]

Dave, whats your oil pressure in the engine like?

 

Hell, your just down the road!

Want me to come have a look for you?

[spunkeemunkee]

Hey lurch, That would be awesome, i would love to get a handle on this problem, call me dave on 0409620443