Nikon 16-85 VR problem?

[Gimmy]

My 16-85 VR is doing some weird noise during focus, manual or auto. It's like a scratch. I asked in a local shop and they said it can be some micro dust inside the lens. But I'm a little worried it can be the beginning of a bigger problem. The lens is no more in warranty so, what can I do? What do you think guys?
I'll attach a video so you can listen to the noise. Hope you can help. Thanks.
ps: sry for the crappy quality.

 

[robbins.photo]

My 16-85 VR is doing some weird noise during focus, manual or auto. It's like a scratch. I asked in a local shop and they said it can be some micro dust inside the lens. But I'm a little worried it can be the beginning of a bigger problem. The lens is no more in warranty so, what can I do? What do you think guys?
I'll attach a video so you can listen to the noise. Hope you can help. Thanks.
ps: sry for the crappy quality.

I'd probably take it into the camera shop and get an estimate, see what they would want to repair it, and then decide what your best option would be from there based on the estimated repair cost.

 

[Gimmy]

My 16-85 VR is doing some weird noise during focus, manual or auto. It's like a scratch. I asked in a local shop and they said it can be some micro dust inside the lens. But I'm a little worried it can be the beginning of a bigger problem. The lens is no more in warranty so, what can I do? What do you think guys?
I'll attach a video so you can listen to the noise. Hope you can help. Thanks.
ps: sry for the crappy quality.

I'd probably take it into the camera shop and get an estimate, see what they would want to repair it, and then decide what your best option would be from there based on the estimated repair cost.

The assistance cost is way too high. They told me it's not worth it

 

[robbins.photo]

My 16-85 VR is doing some weird noise during focus, manual or auto. It's like a scratch. I asked in a local shop and they said it can be some micro dust inside the lens. But I'm a little worried it can be the beginning of a bigger problem. The lens is no more in warranty so, what can I do? What do you think guys?
I'll attach a video so you can listen to the noise. Hope you can help. Thanks.
ps: sry for the crappy quality.

I'd probably take it into the camera shop and get an estimate, see what they would want to repair it, and then decide what your best option would be from there based on the estimated repair cost.

The assistance cost is way too high. They told me it's not worth it

Well then probably time to start saving up for a replacement, hopefully this one will last long enough that you can afford to replace it before it dies.

 

[Gimmy]

So what do you think it can be that weird noise?

 

[Designer]

I would take it to a different repair shop. Keep trying until you find someone who is willing to clean and lubricate the lens for a reasonable amount of money.

 

[Derrel]

My 300/4 AF-S has sounded like that for the last 10 years. Sounds to me like plastic on plastic. I would not worry about it.