A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Just a question for everyone.
I have noticed a little quirk and I want an opinion before I draw any real conclusions about it.
When I am cruising (not driving hard), I try to keep the RPM's between 2,000-2,500. Sometimes I punch it to get around someone then just let the car gradually slow itself back down to that range. I have noticed that it pretty much every gear, as I slow down (i.e. completely off the gas pedal), there is a vibration in the shifter knob from between like 2,800-3,000 RPMs. When I hit that range, I can feel a little vibration in the shifter...nothing big, kinda like a cell phone but not quite as harsh, then it abruptly stops once it gets below the critical range. Is this just some sort of resonance of the car, or is this something I should have checked by a professional? Oh, and to clarify, you cannot feel the vibration anywhere but the shifter, so in other words, if you were a passenger, you would not notice a thing. The only way I detected it is becuase I usually drive with my hand on the shifter...I think it looks cool and enhances response time in the event of emergency shifting.
What do ya'll think? Has anyone else noticed this? (I am hypersensitive to my car, BTW, and notice every click, beep, knock, squeak...we have a very good relationship).
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
A:
Ive noticed a little "grind" feel when I start up my new touring. Anyone noticed that one?
'06 Silverstone 6 speed touring. WOW. Just WOW!
A:
Yes, I notice a grinding noise when starting the engine in the morning, probably because of the cold climate that I am in.
'05 Super Black Auto Touring.
A:
z's don't like cold. move south.
A:
Don't know about the vibration. My Camry has that in the 2100-2300rpm range, but I think it's the old (15 1/2 years) rubber (dry) in the dampener. I am in New Mexico; hot and dry. Should not be your case.
But, do not drive with your hand on the shifter. You'll just wear out the linkage and maybe even the shift forks if you keep some sort of pressure on it depending on engine movement.
A:
CantZmee:
Because your vibration happens at the same engine speed in any given gear, you know the vibration is engine related and not drivetrain related. So in other words, its not a tranny, driveshaft, differential, or half shaft causing the vibration.
Since its an engine related vibration, I'd bet it is probably just a resonant frequency at that certain rpm range. For example, my car vibrates similarly between 3,300 and 3,700. Anywhere below 3,300 or anywhere above 3,700 and the vibration abruptly ceases. Oddly enough, before I had my flywheel replaced, I had a similar vibration that occurred at between 1700 and 2000 rpms.
I'm also one of those people who notices every small click, groan, squeak, or whine of any sort from my car. I'm almost totally sure its nothing to worry about.
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1985 300ZX n/a
A:
got the vibe and the grind.....
89' 240sx (RIP)
05' 350Z AE silverstone
A:
Thanks phx...I appreciate it. I figured that was the case, and was not overly worried about it.
I figured it had something to do with resonant frequency. Gotta love the physics of sound.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
A:
Wanted to emphasize, DO NOT keep your hand on your shifter when not shifting. It does wear everything down exponentially faster...not a good idea.
I learned that from my Eagle Talon years ago....
'06 Silverstone 6 speed touring. WOW. Just WOW!
A:
Thanks shadow. I appreciate it. I will break that habit immediately. I hope it hasn't done any real damage yet!
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
A:
Do NOT drive with your hand on the shifter. This places a load on the linkage and may cause synchronizer wear. Stop it!
A:
OK...I will...done! I actually caught myself last night getting ready to put my hand on the shifter and I thought about it and stopped myself. Thanks for the advice
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"