240Z / 260Z / 280Z

1969-1978 / Coupe / Japan

All 240Z / 260Z / 280Z problems All workshop issues

Common Drivetrain

Differential Mount Bushing Wear

Symptoms

Clunking from the rear on acceleration, deceleration, and gear changes. The clunk is felt through the car, not just heard.

Cause

The differential is mounted to the rear subframe with rubber bushings that perish with age. As the rubber deteriorates, the diff moves under load, causing the clunking.

Fix

Replace the diff mount bushings.

Polyurethane replacement bushings are available and far more durable than the original rubber ($80-150 for a set).

The job requires supporting the diff, removing the old mounts, and pressing in new bushings.

Some owners upgrade to solid aluminium mounts for track use, but these transmit significantly more noise and vibration.

Cost mentioned in fix

$80-150 for a

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// More 240Z / 260Z / 280Z problems

Other known issues

Common Drivetrain

Rear Wheel Bearing Wear

Humming or grinding noise from the rear, increasing with speed. The noise may change tone when turning (loading one side more than the other).

Common Drivetrain

Gearbox Synchro Wear (5-speed)

Grinding or crunching when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, particularly on quick shifts or cold starts.

Minor Rust

Structural Rust, Floors, Sills, Strut Towers

Perforations in the floor pans, sill (rocker panel) box sections, and front strut tower mounting points. In advanced cases, the floorboard flexes underfoot, the sills crumble when prodded, and the strut towers crack under suspension load.

Common Rust

Battery Tray Corrosion

The battery tray (right-hand side of engine bay on RHD cars) corrodes and eventually perforates. Rust spreads into the inner guard and firewall.

Common Rust

Spare Wheel Well Rust

The floor of the boot around and beneath the spare wheel well rusts through. Water pooling is visible in the boot.

Common Rust

Rear Quarter Panel Rust

Rust appears behind the rear wheels, often starting as bubbles under the paint and progressing to perforations.

View all 17 240Z / 260Z / 280Z problems