Hoping this board can suggest possible sources of a low rumble and vibration I'm experiencing after having two tires re-mounted on my 2004 G35 (136k mi.) and two days later having a dealership replace the manual clutch release bearing.

When fixing the tires (nail puncture repair/slow leak), a tire shop noticed the "chatter" between shifts and suggested it needed attention. Took it to a local Nissan dealership which diagnosed the worn bearing. The clutch disc assembly, cover assembly and bearing release were all replaced.

The chatter is gone and the car shifts much easier. But I am now hearing a low rumbling and feeling a slight vibration at 40 mph and continuing into higher speeds. The best description is what you hear and feel driving on grooved pavement.

I drove only locally between repairs so I don't know whether the rumble/vibration came after the tire repairs or after replacement of the clutch bearing. The pressure in all four tires is the recommended 32psi and the tires have plenty of tread. When I returned to the Nissan dealership, their head tech drove the car and said he didn't notice anything other than routine tire noise.

I'm not convinced; I've driven the car for nearly four years/35k mi. and something doesn't sound or feel right. I'm wondering whether the tires were not properly re-balanced or re-mounted on the car, whether there's an adjustment between the clutch and transmission that needs attention or whether the give in the clutch bearing over time possibly led to flywheel damage that I'm now hearing.

TIA for any thoughts, suggestions.

Mark

 

My guess would be wheel bearings. Is the noise coming from a particular side? The best/easiest way to check wheel bearings is to jack the car up, grab the tire at the top and bottom and pull back and forth. There should be no movement, if there is it is most likely your wheel bearings. It is a common wear item on these and other cars. They seem to start to go out around 100k or so, some sooner others later.