Camera...technical Question.

I take my gear to a local Nikon authorized repair shop when I have issues. They will usually diagnose it for free & let you know if it's worth repairing. If you don't have a local shop, you can probably mail it in to Nikon directly for a quote.
Here's a link where you might get some help: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Service-And-Support/Nikon-Authorized-Repair-List.page
Also, you may be able to pick up a good used lens, if repair is not an option!
Good luck, Linda!!!

If it turns out you need a new one and are in the market - I'm going to sell mine, I don't use it often enough and am saving for a lens that suits more of what I'm doing. Just PM me if it turns out that way.

FIrst thing to try is cleaning the contacts.

Linda,

I'm with Edward on this. Take a nice clean eraser form a pencil and rub the gold contacts,until they are shiny again and then make sure ALL the rubber from the eraser is blown off, then try the lens and focus on something.

I used to have Nikon gear and the Nikon people were ALWAYS easier to deal with than the Canon folks!

Rich

"make a strange, low, gear sound". That's doesn't sound like cleaning the contacts is going to help. I suggest what Lynn said.

Rich, you've had bad experiences with Canon? Sorry to hear that. I've had great experiences with them. They even fixed my 20D when it was 3 months out of warranty and shipped it back over night.

Chuck,

I've not had Nikon now for many years and that was back when I had a studio and was considered by Nikon Reps, a "real"photographer and was taken care of,very well,free loaners,etc. It didn't hurt I was also the ASMP President either!

My only issues with Canon was later,when I was still shooting professionally,late 90's early 2000's and was no longer working out of a studio and I think Canon also had some budget cuts. Anyway, had a few pieces of equipment that were sent in,for warranty or just repair and not repaired,just cleaned and sent back. Worst was the 100-400 Canon "L" lens,

Haven't had a reason to deal with them since.........

Rich

Is it just that lens that has the problem? Sounds like there might be something in the autofocus motor system that is loose / broken, or maybe some dirt / grit has got into the moving parts of the lens. Taking it along to year nearest Nikon or lens technician to check would probably be best

Chuck,

Doesn't hurt to clean the contacts anyway,right? Old lens and new camera body. Might have dirty contacts on the lens, not the body,

Rich

No, it never hurts to clean the contacts. It'll stave off that ridiculous "Error 99". But the fact that it's grinding tells me it's something much more serious.