Front Diff Noise Crunch/grind R33

[JimX]

I think I have an intermittent front diff noise at low speed turns. It sounds a bit crunchy or rattly. I say I think because I think it's from the diff but could be a suspension arm or wheel bearing. But the car steers perfectly straight and there's nothing wrong with the steering so I think it's in the diff. Any ideas of what it might be and what I should do before something kills itself? It's only coming from the right side, and not all of the time, and even then only at low speeds.

[boostin_r33]

Dont think it would be your diff hard one! have u checked under your car might be something rubbing against your wheel or suspension

[boostin_r33]

Have u checked under your car might be something hitting your wheel or when the car turns it rubs against something. Have u turned the steering wheel all the way then looked outside and see if its rubbing against anything? It shouldn't b your diff!

[JimX]

It did it again tonight and I'm not sure it's the diff now either. I noticed it seems to do it when power is being shunted to the forward wheels. I have an electronic thing in the dash which has dials to adjust the forward/back bias, but I've got no idea how it works or if it's even faulty. It seems to go up to 2 on really slow take-offs (ie, for no apparent reason) unless I wind the dials all the way to the left, which I presume is the default.

Also when paying more attention I noticed it's not always on corners, and it sometimes does it from the left too. I don't think it's getting worse, I think it just seems to coincide with the power being pushed to the front. Maybe it's tugging on the suspension in a weird way when doing this and something in the suspension is worn/grinding.

Definitely not tyres scrubbing, I know what that sounds like from my previous car And also there's no scuffed bits on tyre or guard and nothing changes in the steering feel when it happens.

[1wingangel]

I get a similar crunching/grinding on my car also. definately seems to be coming from the front on very low speed turning, for eg. turning up into a drive way. However it only happens on occasion.

[wrxhoon]

It could be your CV's, try low speed full lock on either side .

[justin911]

ive got the same thing... it started just after i got new tyres put on recently which is abit odd.... when i turn there seems to be a metal clunking sound coming from the front of the car... happens whne i turn in both directions.

These CV thingies... where abouts r they and what do they look like ??

thanks

[Duncan]

The CV (Constant Velocity) Joints are the joints in each driveshaft. they should be covered under a rubber boot, but if it tears dirt can get in causing them to wear pretty badly

[JimX]

How much would CV joints cost to replace, and what would be the consequences of letting them go unrepaired? (ie, how long have I got to save up to get them fixed )

[wrxhoon]

How much would CV joints cost to replace, and what would be the consequences of letting them go unrepaired? (ie, how long have I got to save up to get them fixed )

Check the boots to make sure they are not cut.

They will get worse and make the clicking sound even when you are going in straight line.

The CV's are very cheap but labour is not. What you usualy do is remove the whole driveshaft and trade it in for one that has new CV's on it and new boots, or if they dont have one in stock they replace the CV's in yours . Dont even think of going to Nissan, a new boot ( just 1, you have 2 on each shaft) is about $70-80.

You can get both shafts done for under $200, depends on who you know .

I must warn you they are not easy to change on the GTR but if you are handy with normal hand tools you can do them .