G35 Clanking / Grinding start up noise (solved)

[TruAgape123]

It's ur timing chain tensioner. The Infiniti techs know this, they're just waiting for your warranty to run out so that they won't have to fit the bill. Every since the Renault partnership, Nissan/ Infiniti' reliability has declined.

[Aimenatu1]

i have the same problem with my 05' g35 it pisses me off everytime it happens. i took it to infiniti and left it there they called me next day and said come get your car nothing wrong with it. what should i tell them is wrong with it.?

[oyousef11]

this is a problem with the 05s...my 350z did it and only on cold starts...dont know what caused the problem, i totalled the car ended up buying a 04 g35 coupe :P

[chris000089]

sooo what was the resolution?

[Djeeeman]

So is this normal or not? I have an 03 and on cold start ups this happens. But the rest of the day the car does not make that noise again.  Please let me know

[letmeregisterforeal]

@Djeeeman make sure the engine has oil in it!

[orsa416]

It also makes tha sound on my 05 g35 sedan....its been doing it since 60,000 miles

[dineth]

Hey man did a video respond with the noise my car makes. let me know if you have any idea what it might be.

[mobbindag]

Also make sure you have enough oil in your engine. Infiniti states you need 5 quarts in the VQ engine, yet I always seem to need to fill up 5.25 quarts for it to be fully filled. If I don't, say hello to the startup noise.

[dukviper90]

My car does this at start up all so, g35 coupe. I honestly think it's just the variable valve timing actuating. Pathfinder with VQ35DE did the same thing every now and then also. I'm not worried about it at all since it drives fine and silky smooth so I'm going to deem it as normal. When it blows, give me an excuse for Cp pistons and eagle rods and studs. :)

[gagt27]

im scared cause my g35 is doing that noise from your first start up.. but it only does it sometimes but its rare.. is that how ur started?????

[sunnyjason]

its normal. its the Variable timing sprocket noise. all VQ35DE's sound like that.

[Bink718]

My car makes this noise after i give it a little rev. When the RPMs begin to drop it seems to make this noise. Also when i am driving very gently and the car shifts into 2nd gear (its an auto) it begins to make this noise constantly as i continue to drive and then it stops when i let off the gas. Ever since it started making this noise it consumesh oil like crazy. And now its just sucking up engine coolant as well. I brought it to the dealer and they found 0 problems with the engine. Any ideas?

[Bink718]

i forgot to add it also makes this noise SOMETIMES when i start the car up. its a 2004 G35 Sedan.

[NismSteroid]

Use Prolong/Castrol GTX Starup, and Magnatec Oil. Have been in South AFrica for many years.We dont use much else in SA climate and my Nissan premera which is turbo charged 200sti does a 1/4 mile in 9 secs has done 190 000 miles. Caused by sticky valves tappets and timing chain if your using one.(Self Adjusting Hydraulic tappets and tensioner)

[john20022009]

Hi, I have the same problem now too..do you know what's the problem for that? and do i have to get a new engine for it? thankss

[mobbindag]

It wasn't consistant, only sometimes but it grew more and more common as the problem got worse. Visit the g35driver *dot com* forums and search for the thread " *SOLVED* Engine Startup Clanking Noise, 2005 G35 Coupe. (With Video) " which will be in the "Engine, Drivetrain & Forced-Induction" subfoums.

You will find much more info there to help you.

[mobbindag]

Just so everyone knows, this problem has been solved and my engine was replaced under warranty.

It seems that I had an engine bearing that had failed and sent metal shavings all throughout my engine, scratching and pitting my camshaft. They believe this is due to low oil likely caused by the classic VQ35DE oil consumption issue. More info can be found on the original G35driver thread.

[jonhashimi]

@mobbindag do you know if this is a recall on our engines? because i get the same noise my 2005 g35 coupe 6 speed manual. my warranty is up so the only way i can get it fixed is through recall

thanks

asap

[890106066]

i have the same problem! its weird and have u ever found out wat the problem was? thanks!

[kgh31386]

I worked at a Nissan dealership for a few years. A good number of the Xterras made that same noise brand new. I'm not sure if it was because the A/C was on when they were started or what...but I think I heard somewhere it's related to the A/C

[7477238]

Your timing chain tensioner is bad, the VQ35 engines are known for that sort of problem. Should be covered under your warranty.

[mobbindag]

Yeah, that is possible, thanks for your input. I have had people suggest these problems so far:

1. Starter not disengaging quick enough from engine when starting.

2. De-pressurized (and therefore temporary stuck) cam lifter.

3. Timing chain failure of some sort.